6 Essential UK Horse Care FAQs & Riding Rules for Lockdown 2025

Responsible horse care in the UK during the 2025 lockdown requires up-to-date knowledge of equine welfare, legal riding regulations, and public health guidance. This comprehensive FAQ guide offers clear, practical advice on horse health, feeding, exercise, legal compliance, and wellbeing. For trustworthy veterinary support and opportunities to find a horse for sale, Pets4Homes remains a valuable resource dedicated to responsible ownership.

1. Can I Visit and Care for My Horse During the 2025 Lockdown?

Yes, travel to care for and exercise horses is permitted without restrictions during lockdown, provided all government public health and social distancing rules are respected. Essential maintenance such as feeding, grooming, and turnout should be prioritised, aiming to minimise visit frequency and duration. To protect everyone’s health, consider these key steps:

• Plan visits to reduce numbers and times, possibly organising a rota with others sharing care duties.
• Strictly follow hygiene protocols including handwashing and sanitising; avoid sharing tack where feasible.
• Wear masks and maintain at least 2 metres distance from others on-site.
• Whenever possible, turn your horse out to pasture to reduce the need for ridden exercise.
• Develop a contingency plan to ensure your horse’s care if you must self-isolate or become ill.

2. What Are the Restrictions on Riding and Exercising Horses?

Riding remains allowed as an essential activity for horse welfare during lockdowns but must adhere to social distancing and public health guidance. Group activities like competitions and arena hire remain prohibited. Specific rules vary across UK nations:

• In England and Scotland, you may ride with your household, support bubble or one person from another household, keeping distance.
• In Wales and Northern Ireland, riding with only household or support bubble members is permitted with no mixing of other households.
• Choose quiet routes to avoid close contact with pedestrians and cyclists.
• Wear appropriate safety gear including helmets and boots at all times.
• Consider alternative exercises such as groundwork or lunging to maintain fitness without riding.

3. How Should I Adjust Feeding and Nutrition With Reduced Exercise?

Reduced movement during lockdown means horses usually need fewer calories to prevent weight gain and issues like laminitis. Follow these nutrition tips:

• Ensure continuous access to clean fresh water, cleaning troughs or buckets regularly.
• Provide ad-lib forage such as grass, hay or haylage supporting natural grazing and gut health.
• Feed small, frequent meals especially if using concentrates, reducing energy-dense feeds gradually.
• Monitor body condition weekly with a weight tape and adjust feeding accordingly.
• Use enrichment tools like slow feeders or toys to prevent boredom, especially if turnout is limited.

4. What Are the Guidelines for Emergency Vet and Farrier Visits?

Veterinary and farrier services remain operational for essential and emergency care during lockdown with strict safety protocols:

• Notify professionals beforehand about any illness, isolation, or COVID risk on your premises.
• Prepare your horse and yard for swift access to reduce contact time.
• Utilise phone or video triage where possible to minimise face-to-face appointments.
• Stay current with routine health needs, prioritising emergencies and urgent care.

5. Can I Buy or Sell Horses During Lockdown?

Buying and selling horses can proceed while following travel and social distancing regulations:

• Use detailed photos, videos and virtual vet assessments for initial evaluations.
• Limit in-person visits and reduce attendees.
• Arrange transport carefully adhering to government travel advice.
• Consult industry resources and support services to ensure informed, ethical decisions.

6. How Can I Maintain Good Mental and Physical Welfare for My Horse and Myself?

Maintaining mental wellbeing during lockdown is vital for both horse and owner:

• Keep consistent turnout, feeding and exercise routines adapted to restrictions.
• Incorporate gentle groundwork, hand grazing and simple training to enrich your horse’s mind.
• Rotate turnout areas to provide environmental variety and stimulation.
• Engage with online equestrian groups, virtual lessons and forums to support social connection.
• Prioritise your own mental health through self-care and seek professional help if needed.

Responsible Care and Latest 2025 UK Guidelines

Optimal horse welfare depends on following the UK government, British Horse Society, and veterinary guidance alongside good hygiene and social distancing. Using platforms like Pets4Homes to access reputable vets and promote responsible ownership is highly encouraged.

By embracing empathy, careful planning and community cooperation, you can keep your horse healthy and happy throughout 2025 lockdowns and beyond, respecting important restrictions designed to protect all.