Looking after your horse with social distancing in 2025

In 2025, caring for your horse safely while adhering to social distancing remains essential. Whether your horse is stabled, grazed on private land, or at a livery yard, this guide helps you maintain their wellbeing and stay compliant with UK coronavirus guidelines.

Essential Horse Care with Social Distancing

Travel to care for and exercise your horse is permitted without restrictions if needed, but always observe government public health and social distancing rules. Focus on essential maintenance care such as feeding, grooming, and turnout, aiming to minimise visits and time at yards.

Whenever possible, turn horses out to grass to reduce the need for exercise rides, which should not be viewed as essential unless necessary for their wellbeing. Alternatives like lunging can limit public exposure.

Setting up a rota with fellow horse owners sharing yards or local areas can reduce visit frequency. This cooperative approach supports social distancing while ensuring horse care continues responsibly.

Follow strict hygiene measures at yards, including handwashing, sanitising, and avoiding shared tack when possible.

Accessing Veterinary Care Safely in 2025

Veterinary services remain open and accessible for essential and emergency horse care. Vets continue to prioritise reducing face-to-face contact, offering phone and video consultations where practical.

In-person visits happen only when necessary, with owners or handlers confirming they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 before vet attendance.

Yards and clinics implement safety protocols such as staggered appointments, social distancing, and equipment sanitisation to protect both horses and people.

Farrier Services During Coronavirus Restrictions

Farriers are classified as essential workers and continue providing critical hoof care such as shoeing and trimming. They exercise judgement on appointment urgency, prioritising horses needing immediate care to avoid pain or risk of injury.

COVID-19 protocols include social distancing, PPE use, thorough hand hygiene, and tool sanitisation between visits. Farriers are permitted to travel for work during restrictions and should present credentials if asked.

Securing Horse Feed and Hay Supplies

Feed and hay suppliers continue to operate with enhanced hygiene and social distancing. Early ordering is advisable due to possible reduced staff or delivery schedules.

Horse owners should maintain at least a two-week supply to avoid shortages but avoid overstocking which can cause waste or storage problems.

Proactive planning aligned with nutritional needs is crucial to ensure horses receive adequate forage daily, incorporating supplementary feeds if necessary for balanced nutrition.

Equine Supply Stores and Delivery Options

Country and equine supply stores remain open, though hours might be reduced. Many offer online ordering and local delivery to minimise contact.

When visiting stores, follow distancing rules and choose low-contact options where available.

Planning for Care if You Become Ill

If you cannot care for your horse due to illness or self-isolation, arrange help in advance. Communicate with your yard management, fellow owners, or trusted friends, and keep your horse’s care instructions clear and accessible.

Local community groups and charities can provide additional support if informal networks are unavailable. In emergencies, contact the RSPCA for assistance.

All involved in your horse's care should follow infection control and social distancing to minimise COVID-19 transmission risks.

Best Practices for Horse Social Distancing

Maintain a distance of two metres from others when at yards or facilities and disinfect shared equipment before and after use.

Avoid group gatherings, adhere to facility-specific rules, and respect any limitations on numbers or times.

If you or someone at the yard is unwell, stay away and follow NHS self-isolation guidelines to protect the equine community.

Additional Resources

For further information and support, consult the British Equestrian coronavirus guidance and contact your local veterinary or farrier services.

Responsible, informed care and clear communication remain the keys to safeguarding your horse's health and your own during ongoing coronavirus management in 2025.