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Be Horse Aware

Our #BeHorseAware message aims to spread awareness of the potential deadly consequences of feeding horses that are not your own so that we can all continue to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, responsible way.

  • Last reviewed: 9th July 2024
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Getting out and about in your local area or further afield and enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer may mean you’re more likely to encounter horses whether that’s in the fields or when accessing paths that run alongside equine paddocks.

Although it may seem harmless to approach horses and feed them, the BHS have received reports of horses being seriously injured, made extremely ill, and sadly in some cases, having died because members of the public have fed them, put grass cuttings in their field, or because of actions such as not closing a gate.

Be Horse Aware Screen Grab

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Be Horse Aware | Thank you for not feeding other people's horses

It is important not to feed horses because:

  • Any type of food, grass cuttings or any other plants can make horses extremely ill or even kill them
  • Fighting between horses could break out and cause an injury
  • Horses may mistake your fingers for food and accidentally bite them

Jonathan Ruiz from Oakham Veterinary Hospital talks through some of the experiences they have dealt with, which have seen horses being made extremely ill, and sadly in some cases, having died as a result of being fed by passers-by.

We advise to:

  • Keep your dog on a lead and bag and bin dog mess
  • Give horses lots of space 
  • Leave gates and property as you find them
  • Always take your litter home
  • If you see a horse in distress alert the nearest farm/yard or check for a sign with the owner’s details on
  • Keep to the right of way

Useful resources

The Countryside Codes

Grass Cuttings

We all see horses eating grass so what’s wrong with grass cuttings? Grass cuttings are potentially dangerous sources of poisonous plants and chemicals used on lawns, as well as being a choking hazard.

Learn more
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