Horses

horses 5 things you should NEVER feed horses when walking in the countryside

The days are longer, sunnier and warmer…what could be better than a long family walk on a summer's day? The countryside is always stunning at this time of year, and there's plenty of wildlife to look out for, too.

However, while it can be tempting to feed animals while out and about in the countryside, especially when with young children, this practice can be incredibly dangerous. Horses especially are often fed by the passers-by without consent and without an understanding of what could harm them. Lockdown showed several instances of unwell horses that linked to snacks fed to them by the public (The British Horse Society).

So, to minimise the chances of pedestrians causing unintentional harm to horses with this gesture, Horse & Country have put together 5 things you should NEVER feed horses.

Chocolate Horses have been known to enjoy a sweet treat in the form of peppermints and sugar cubes, however, chocolate is a step too far.

Like dogs, the chemicals found in cocoa is harmful to horses causing seizures, crippling colic and in some severe cases, internal bleeding. Making it one of the most dangerous foods to dish out while passing a field.

Equines are also essentially lactose intolerant, they do not have the enzymes to absorb lactose in the body, so any dairy products can have a lasting negative affect.

Tomatoes While the taste of the tomato plant is unappealing to horses, it’s harmful too.

The presence of alkaloid in tomatoes slows the gut function of horses and can result in diarrhoea. This includes cherry tomatoes, so even a miniature version can cause great discomfort.

Make sure to check your picnic spot for any roll-away tomatoes before leaving.

Bread Sandwiches are a day out essential, so this could be the first thing that springs to mind when spotting a gate with friendly faces peering over. But, ensure you avoid doing this at all costs.

Baked goods including bread can become sticky and doughy in the intestine, making it hard to digest and causing blockages.

Bread can also cause a calcium deficiency, which could lead to more serious health concerns for our equine friends.

Lawn clippings This may seem an unusual one as horse graze daily on grass. However, picking freshly cut grass from the ground and using it as feed is not advised. As the grass has been finely chopped it allows the horse to eat more and chew less in a short space of time and can be a choking hazard.

This could also cause a fatal stomach-ache, negative effects on hoof health and colic making it incredibly important to avoid.

Pitted fruit While apples are among horses’ favourites, other sweet fruits that probably taste delicious are not so good. Fruits that have seeds or pits contain cyanide and are toxic to horses.

Not only this, but the pits can also get caught in the throat, without a vet’s immediate attention, would be life-threatening.

“It’s of course tempting to pet and feed horses while spending time in the countryside, especially with young children in tow, as they are incredibly affectionate animals. "However, to keep both you and the horses safe, it’s important not to feed them something that is potentially harmful. Stable owners and equestrians tend to have set diet plans in place and it’s vital not to disrupt this. "Sometimes you may be able to feed them something safe such as a carrot or a piece of apple, but you should always get permission from the owner first. "Lastly, if you’re out and about this spring, always make sure to clean up after a day near a stable or farmyard as rubbish and leftover scraps could be consumed without your knowledge.” - Katie AllenClarke at Horse & Country

horses Martin Clunes announced as President of the World Clydesdale Show 2022

The World Clydesdale Show 2022 is proud to announce the appointment of Martin Clunes as President of the World Clydesdale Show 2022.

Martin Clunes as well as being a writer, presenter and actor is also an incredibly keen heavy horse enthusiast.

Martin Clunes took over as President of The British Horse Society on 1 June 2011. Already known to millions from his stage and screen appearances, including Doc Martin, Manhunt and Men Behaving Badly, his 2010 ITV documentary series Horsepower revealed his passion for horses and latterly a second equine documentary, Heavy Horsepower, in 2013.

Martin, owns two Clydesdale horses Ronnie and Bruce and knows first-hand the joy that these gentle giants can bring to owners, exhibitors and spectators alike at shows like this one.

Mr Clunes will be attending the 4 day long show at P&J Live in Aberdeen between the 20th and the 23rd of October this year. With over 300 hundred Clydesdale horses from all over the world and over 21,000 spectators over 4 days this is the first World Clydesdale Show to be held in Europe let alone the UK.

‘I am really excited to be the President of this prestigious show. Like a lot of people I get a gut punch when I see Clydesdale horses so to be present at a world show with horses from all over the world is just too exciting. I am also very happy to show my boys off and 1’m crossing my fingers that they behave themselves.’ said Martin Clunes.

‘We are so very proud that Martin Clunes as agreed to be the World Clydesdale Show 2022 President.’ said, Ailsa Clark, Chief Executive and Director, ‘His love of horses and dedication to the Clydesdale Breed is tremendous and to be able to welcome the President of the British Horse Society as our president is a great honour.’