Be Wise › Pet Wise guides › Horses
Horses: a UK guide to care, health, law and costs
A UK guide to keeping horses: what they need, how long they live, health and cost, the law and what to do in an emergency.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health, and check current rules on GOV.UK, or with your local authority. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Typical lifespan | About 25–30 years, sometimes longer for ponies |
|---|---|
| Daily time | Daily checks, feeding, turnout and exercise |
| Space | Grazing land, stabling or livery |
| Best for | Experienced or well-supported owners with the time and budget |
Care and food
Horses need forage (grass and hay) as most of their diet, constant fresh water, shelter, turnout and equine company. Plan regular farrier visits (commonly every 6–8 weeks), an annual dental check, vaccinations against tetanus and equine flu, and worm control guided by tests. Manage weight carefully, especially in ponies.
Character and suitability
Horses are herd animals and do best with companions. They are large, sensitive and can react suddenly, so training, supervision and experience matter. Consider a lesson, loan or share before buying.
Health and lifespan
Common problems include laminitis (particularly ponies on rich grass), colic, lameness, sweet itch and dental problems. Ragwort and some plants are toxic. A pre-purchase vet examination is strongly advised.
Allergies
Hay dust, mould and horse dander can trigger allergies and asthma-like problems in people, and horses can develop respiratory problems from dusty hay and bedding.
The law in the UK
Horses must have a passport and a microchip in the UK, and owners have a duty of care under animal welfare law. You are responsible for damage or injury caused by your horse, so third-party liability insurance is important. Check rules on keeping horses on land, grazing licences and livery contracts.
What it costs
Horses are among the most costly pets: livery or land, farrier, vet, feed, forage, bedding, insurance, tack, rugs and lessons. Budget also for emergencies and for your own time. Costs vary by region and by type of horse.
Emergencies: when to call a vet
Call your vet urgently for colic signs (restlessness, rolling, pawing, sweating), laminitis (heat in the hooves, reluctance to move), wounds near joints or with heavy bleeding, choke, sudden severe lameness or any collapse.
Adopting or buying
Rehoming charities and loan or share arrangements can be a good route. Get a vet to examine any horse before buying, ask for the passport, and be wary of sellers who rush you.
Frequently asked questions
How long do horses live?
Many horses live 25 to 30 years, and some ponies live longer with good care.
Do horses need a passport and microchip?
Yes. Horses in the UK must have a passport and a microchip.
How much land does a horse need?
It depends on the land quality and the horse, but a horse usually needs enough safe grazing plus shelter and companionship. Many owners use livery yards instead.
What is a pre-purchase examination?
It is a veterinary check of a horse before you buy it. It helps identify health or soundness problems and is strongly advised.
Want answers for your situation?
The Be Pet Wise app lets you choose your country and ask its assistant follow-up questions.
Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-20. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See a vet for any health concern.