Horse Welfare Regulations & Guidelines – [Global Database]

• Stables and stalls need proper natural ventilation, preferably with air vents on opposite sides
• Minimize dust levels to reduce risk of respiratory disease

• Maintain barn air quality to prevent noxious gas, dust and moisture build up
• Ensure effective ventilation for good indoor air quality
• Keep ammonia concentration below 25 ppm

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Ammonia concentration should be below 10 ppm
• Ensure horses housed indoors are not subjected to drafts

• Air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative humidity and gas concentrations must be maintained at levels that are not harmful to horses
• Stables must have mechanical or natural ventilation to ensure sufficient air exchange

• Air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative humidity of the air and gas concentrations must be kept within limits that do not harm the animals

• Construct, operate, and ventilate horse stables to achieve outdoor-like air quality
• Stall temperature should follow outdoor temperature in daily and yearly cycles
• Maintain stable humidity between 60 – 80% to prevent optimal conditions for bacteria, mold, and parasites
• Avoid persistent humidity above 80% to ensure horses can effectively regulate body temperature through sweating
• Carbon dioxide concentration (CO₂): less than 1000 ppm
• Ammonia (NH₃): less than 10 ppm
• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S): Less than or equal to 0.2 ppm
• Ventilation should generate air velocities of at least 0.2 m/s to facilitate the removal of pathogens
• Large-scale airflow should not be directed towards the horses

• Optimal relative humidity in stables is 60 – 70%
• Ventilation should be designed to prevent drafts

• Ventilation must prevent heat or cold stress in horses and avoid the buildup of harmful gases
• Take immediate action if ammonia levels exceed 15 ppm at horse level

Recommendation: ^[7]

• Maintain ammonia levels below 10 ppm

(Northern Ireland)

• Ensure windows and ventilation slats offer proper air circulation without causing drafts
• Roofs should be high enough to provide good air circulation and ventilation
• One window or top door should be open at all times, when possible, as shutting them can reduce ventilation
• Minimize dust levels in stables, and ensure adequate air flow through buildings

• Ensure windows and ventilation slats offer proper air circulation without causing drafts
• Roofs should be high enough to provide good air circulation and ventilation
• One window or top door should be open at all times, when possible, as shutting them can reduce ventilation

• Ensure a constant supply of fresh air within the stable
• Prevent the stable from becoming too humid; excessive humidity can irritate the horse’s airways and contribute to respiratory issues
• Implement effective ventilation systems to maintain air circulation
• In thermally insulated stables during winter, the relative humidity inside should not exceed 80% unless the stable temperature is below 10° C
• In this case, the numerical sum of the relative stable humidity and the stable temperature should not exceed 90
• In uninsulated stables, the relative humidity in the barn should not exceed relative humidity of the outdoor air by more than 10%
• Consider natural ventilation (windows) as well as mechanical ventilation
• Adapt the stable climate to the temperature needs of the horses
• Provide appropriate insulation and heating or cooling systems
• Horses should not be exposed to levels of air pollution that could negatively affect their health. Upper limits for common airborne pollutants include:
• Ammonia: 10 ppm
• Carbon dioxide: 3,000 ppm
• Hydrogen sulfide: 0.5 ppm
• Organic dust: 10 mg/m³

Recommendations: ^[10][11]

• Avoid drafts that can cause discomfort

• Windows and ventilation slats should allow air circulation without drafts
• Use safety glass with grills for safety
• One window or top door should be open at all times, when possible
• Minimize dust levels in stables, and ensure adequate air flow through buildings
• Roofs should be high enough to provide good air circulation and ventilation

• Ensure windows and ventilation slats offer proper air circulation without causing drafts
• Consider prevailing wind direction when designing stables to ensure good circulation while avoiding drafts
• Roofs should be high enough to provide good air circulation and ventilation
• One window or top door should be open at all times, when possible, as shutting them can reduce ventilation

• Indoor housing facilities should provide horses with fresh air via windows, doors, vents, fans or air conditioning
• Indoor facilities should be adequately ventilated at all times to maintain horse health and prevent discomfort
• Ventilation systems should minimize drafts, odors and condensation
• Trailers should be designed to minimize the entry of truck fumes into the horses’ area

• Provide clean bedding (straw or sawdust) daily to prevent foot and leg problems caused by standing on hard surfaces
• Urine affected bedding and manure should be removed at least once a day

• Stables and loose boxes must contain suitable, clean bedding to provide insulation, warmth and protection from scraping

Recommendations: ^[2]

• Remove soiled bedding, stale or contaminated feed, and water daily
• Dispose of washings, urine and feces in accordance with statutory authorities

• Maintain clean stalls with a dry, safe lying area that will not bruise or injure the horse
• Using concrete or hard rubber mats without bedding is not acceptable
• Use non-toxic bedding

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Ensure adequate bedding depth to absorb urine and encourage lying down
• Remove wet and soiled bedding daily
• Add fresh bedding every day for deep-bedded systems
• Place disposable bedding on stall mats for urine absorption and cushioning
• Use dust-free bedding
• When cleaning stalls, remove horses from the building to allow airborne particles to settle before re-entry

• Area should be comfortable, clean, well-drained and appropriately bedded
• If using a group housing system, at least 80% of the floor must be well-covered by dry bedding

• Use adequate and suitable bedding in horse accommodations
• Bedding should absorb urine, provide warmth, protect against injury, and allow comfortable lying down
• Bedding should be non-toxic, dust-free, mold-free and promote effective drainage and a dry bed
• When rubber matting is used, include disposable bedding to absorb urine
• Bedding should be managed and cleaned regularly

• Ensure the lying area is kept dry, with all lying surfaces appropriately bedded
• Bedding materials should be dry and slip-resistant with good moisture absorption
• Ensure bedding materials used (e.g., straw, straw chaff, planer or sawdust shavings) are dry and safe for health, meaning moldy, highly dusty materials, or toxic substances (preservatives, toxic woods) are not used
• Special attention should be given to the quality of straw bedding, particularly because horses may consume straw as forage
• The more intensively horses use the bedded area, the more frequently you should remove excrement and wet bedding, typically once daily
• Ensure that no elevated concentrations of harmful gases develop

• Long wheat straw is recommended; barley and oat straw are less suitable
• Wood shavings and sawdust are available, but expensive and may lead to dust formation
• Flooring should be non-slip and provide quick drainage of urine and water

• Provide good-quality, friable bedding with minimal risk of contamination
• Feces and urine must not be permitted to accumulate to such an extent that they threaten the health and welfare of the horses

Recommendation: ^[7]

• Provide bedding for horses in loose boxes (stalls)

• Use adequate and suitable bedding in horse accommodations
• Bedding should absorb urine, provide warmth, protect against injury, and allow comfortable lying down
• Bedding should be managed and cleaned regularly

• Use adequate and suitable bedding in horse accommodations
• Bedding should absorb urine, provide warmth, protect against injury, and allow comfortable lying down
• Bedding should be non-toxic, dust-free, mold-free and promote effective drainage and a dry bed
• When rubber matting is used, include disposable bedding to absorb urine
• Bedding should be managed and cleaned regularly

• Litter beds and sleeping areas must be kept clean, dry and comfortable
• Bedding materials must be high quality and hygienic
• Lying areas should be smooth and non-slip

• Lying areas need clean, dry suitable litter

• Use adequate and suitable bedding in horse accommodations
• Bedding should absorb urine, provide warmth, protect against injury, and allow comfortable lying down
• Bedding should be non-toxic, dust-free, mold-free and promote effective drainage
• When rubber matting is used, include disposable bedding to absorb urine
• Bedding should be managed and cleaned regularly

• In cold weather, horses that are in poor condition or have not grown a long coat should be given a waterproof blanket

• Use appropriate blankets that match weather conditions to prevent heat stress
• Blanketed horses must be inspected regularly for injuries or entanglements
• At a minimum, horses must be examined weekly under the blanket to check for injury, rubbing and to ensure skin health

Recommendations: ^[2]

• Blankets must be suitable for specific weather conditions, especially in extreme hot, cold or wet conditions
• Waterproof blankets should be used in wet weather
• Blankets must be fitted to the horse and in good shape
• Blankets that may cause injury or disease must not be used
• Clipped horses should be rugged in the winter, except when working or in mild weather
• Horses should be accustomed to wearing blankets before being turned out while wearing one to reduce risk of injury

• Examine horses underneath blankets on a weekly basis at minimum
• Ensure blankets suit weather conditions to avoid heat stress

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Remove blankets daily for horse inspection
• Ensure blankets are well-fitted and intact
• Use waterproof and breathable blankets in wet conditions

• Blanketing to prevent hair growth and clipping the coat should be based on necessity, to avoid interference with physiological function of coat

• Use covers for climatic extremes
• Ensure proper fit and regular inspection of blankets to ensure suitable protection and are not causing discomfort to the horse
• Implement additional measures for clipped horses to stay warm in cold weather

Recommendations: ^[7]

• Avoid clipping horses in cold, wet weather without proper stabling, rugs, covers, roughage, or shelter to minimize exposure effects
• Regularly inspect horses to ensure appropriate rug or cover weight for weather conditions
• Daily inspection of rugs or covers for correct fit and absence of loose or broken straps

• Not all horses, especially hardy breeds with thick coats, require rugs in inclement weather
• Less hardy, senior, clipped and ill horses may require blankets for warmth, dryness in cold, wet weather and fly protection
• Ensure blankets and hoods are the right size, type and weight for the animal and weather conditions
• Proper fitting is crucial to prevent rubbing, hair loss and abrasions
• Regularly remove rugs to check the horse’s body condition and general health, ideally on a daily basis
• Ensure horses are not made too hot under their blankets
• A spare blanket should be available as needed
• Consider using fly sheets for horses sensitive to fly or midge bites

• Not all horses, especially hardy breeds with thick coats, require rugs in inclement weather
• Less hardy, senior, clipped and ill horses may require blankets for warmth, dryness in cold, wet weather and fly protection
• Ensure blankets and hoods are the right size, type and weight for the animal and weather conditions
• Proper fitting is crucial to prevent rubbing, hair loss and abrasions
• Regularly remove rugs to check the horse’s body condition and general health, ideally on a daily basis
• A spare rug should be available to allow wet rugs to be dried out

• Not all horses need a rug/blanket during inclement weather
• Horses of less hardy breeding, and clipped or elderly horses may require a rug/blanket to help keep them warm and dry during cold, wet weather
• More than one rug/blanket should be available for each horse so wet rugs can be removed and dried
• Remove turnout rugs when the weather (specifically the temperature) improves
• Ensure blankets and hoods are the right size, type and weight for the animal and weather conditions
• Proper fitting is crucial to prevent rubbing, hair loss and abrasions
• Regularly remove rugs to check the horse’s body condition and general health, ideally on a daily basis

• Not all horses, especially hardy breeds with thick coats, require rugs in inclement weather
• Less hardy, senior, clipped and ill horses may require blankets for warmth, dryness, and fly protection
• Ensure blankets and hoods are the right size, type and weight for the animal and weather conditions
• Proper fitting is crucial to prevent rubbing, hair loss and abrasions
• Regularly remove rugs to check the horse’s body condition and general health, ideally on a daily basis
• A spare rug should be available to allow wet rugs to be dried out
• Remove turnout rugs when the weather (specifically the temperature) improves

• Facility design, stocking density and group management should ensure each horse has its own space
• This space should be adequate for subordinate horses to escape bullying from dominant animals within the group

Recommendations: ^[2]

• Avoid keeping horses in isolation
• Colts, stallions, weanlings, senior, pregnant and sick animals may require segregation to minimize risk of injury or disease
• The introduction or reintroduction of horses into groups should be supervised

• Ensure horses kept in groups are managed to minimize the risk of injury

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Turn horses out with other horses
• Prevent stereotypic behaviors by providing horses with sufficient turnout and social interactions with other horses
• Segregate animals into compatible groups and separate animals that prove to be incompatible

• Each stall should ensure that horses can see, hear and touch their fellow horses
• Exceptions to this rule may be made for cases like quarantine. In these cases, horses still must be able to see, smell and hear the presence of other horses
• Horses that are incompatible should not be stalled beside each other
• Wherever possible, horses should be kept in groups
• Newcomers to a social group should be gradually integrated, and removed if permanent integration cannot be achieved

• Careful measures should be taken when forming new groups to minimize fighting and stress

Recommendations: ^[7]

• Horses should be kept with at least one other social companion. If this is not possible, they should at least be able to see and hear other horses (or other animals)
• Horses subjected to persistent bullying should be removed from the paddock
• Avoid introducing new horses to the herd more often than necessary, as it can create social distress

• Ensure horses are not isolated. Companionship from other horses is preferred, but other types of animal can be used when this is not possible
• Treat horses as individuals when kept in groups
• Separation from other horses or bonded companions may cause distress and should be avoided
• Donkeys have specific socialization needs and can become seriously ill if abruptly separated from a bonded companion
• Careful measures should be taken when forming new groups to minimize fighting and stress, such as increasing space allowance, grazing the new animal in an adjacent area before introduction and removing back shoes during the introduction period
• Ensure horses kept in groups are getting feed and water by avoiding overstocking and monitoring herd dynamics
• Heavily-pregnant mares or mares with young foals should be separated from groups
• Stallions may require separate turnout
• Monitor group dynamics to identify individuals who are not coping well with the group, or aggressive individuals. Incompatible horses should be separated

• Ensure horses are not isolated. Companionship from other horses is preferred, but other types of animal (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats) can be used when this is not possible. Horses kept on their own will require more frequent human contact and supervision
• Treat horses as individuals when kept in groups
• Separation from other horses or bonded companions may cause distress and should be avoided
• Donkeys have specific socialization needs and can become seriously ill if abruptly separated from a bonded companion
• Careful measures should be taken when forming new groups to minimize fighting and stress, such as increasing space allowance, grazing the new animal in an adjacent area before introduction and removing back shoes during the introduction period
• Ensure horses kept in groups are getting feed and water by avoiding overstocking and monitoring herd dynamics
• Heavily-pregnant mares or mares with young foals should be separated from groups
• Stallions may require separate turnout
• Monitor group dynamics to identify individuals who are not coping well with the group, or aggressive individuals. Incompatible horses should be separated

• Horse must have social contact with another horse at all times (through smell, sight, hearing) as well as daily physical contact outdoors (or while stabled)
• This regulation does not apply where there is a significant risk that the horse injures itself or others; or where their need for physical contact is met in another way (prior to regulations made in 2007) and horse is not doing poorly

• Equids require visual, auditory and olfactory contact with another equid. Horses and donkeys are not considered acceptable companions for each other in isolation. Acceptable companions for horses include other horses, mules or hinnies. Acceptable companions for donkeys include other donkeys, mules or hinnies. Mules or hinnies can be kept with both horses and donkeys for appropriate companionship.
• Authorities may grant temporary exemptions for individual housing in justified cases for elderly animals
• Horses should be kept in groups from weaning until 30 months old or until regular use begins
• Groups of horses must have access to avoidance or retreat opportunities; not necessary for foals until regular use begins
• There must not be places where horses could be trapped in the housing arrangement

• Ensure horses are not isolated. Companionship from other horses is preferred, but other types of animal can be used when this is not possible
• Treat horses as individuals when kept in groups
• Separation from other horses or bonded companions may cause distress and should be avoided
• Donkeys have specific socialization needs and can become seriously ill if abruptly separated from a bonded companion
• Careful measures should be taken when forming new groups to minimize fighting and stress, such as increasing space allowance, grazing the new animal in an adjacent area before introduction and removing back shoes during the introduction period
• Ensure horses kept in groups are getting feed and water by avoiding overstocking and monitoring herd dynamics
• Heavily-pregnant mares or mares with young foals should be separated from groups
• Stallions may require separate turnout
• Monitor group dynamics to identify individuals who are not coping well with the group, or aggressive individuals. Incompatible horses should be separated

• Ensure horses are not isolated. Companionship from other horses is preferred, but other types of animal (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats) can be used when this is not possible. Keeping horses alone is not preferable, and they will require more frequent human contact and supervision
• Treat horses as individuals when kept in groups
• Separation from other horses or bonded companions may cause distress and should be avoided
• Donkeys have specific socialization needs and can become seriously ill if abruptly separated from a bonded companion
• Careful measures should be taken when forming new groups to minimize fighting and stress, such as increasing space allowance, grazing the new animal in an adjacent area before introduction and removing back shoes during the introduction period
• Ensure horses kept in groups are getting feed and water by avoiding overstocking and monitoring herd dynamics
• Heavily-pregnant mares or mares with young foals should be separated from groups
• Stallions may require separate turnout
• Monitor group dynamics to identify individuals who are not coping well with the group, or aggressive individuals. Incompatible horses should be separated

• Feed should be sufficient to keep horses in good health and body condition
• Horses need salt, added directly to feed or as a salt lick
• If supplementing pasture with additional food, horses should be fed at least once a day. If no pasture is provided, horses should be fed at least twice a day
• Avoid feeding high-concentrate (cereal) diets to horses who are ridden infrequently, as this can produce unpredictable behaviors
• Feed should be free from contaminants like mold, dust, insecticides and other toxic materials
• Feed should be stored in a rodent-proof way that prevents deterioration
• Feed changes should be done gradually
• Feed troughs should be easily accessible to horses. Ensure they are firmly fixed, non-toxic, easily cleaned and cleaned regularly

• Ensure horses receive a diet that meets their health and physiological needs
• Provide supervision during feeding to monitor behavior patterns and response to food
• Maintain a minimum body condition score (BCS) of 2 out of 5
• Avoid depriving horses of access to food for more than 24 hours
• If unable to provide sufficient food for health, consider relocation, sale or euthanasia

Recommendations: ^[2]

• If pasture is insufficient, horses should receive supplementary feed at least twice a day
• Feed troughs should be spaced well to prevent bullying, with lighter or bullied horses segregated
• Protect horses from harmful food such as moldy hay and poisonous plants
• Avoid overfeeding horses and ensure exercise of animals at risk of laminitis or founder
• Changes to the horse’s diet should be gradual to reduce the risk of digestive illness or disorders
• Selective reduction in food intake should be supervised by experienced handler or veterinarian
• Roughage (fibrous feed) is crucial, providing at least 1% of body weight daily; processed feed should be in addition to roughage
• Consult a veterinarian or equestrian group for suitable foodstuffs for horses
• Provide protein, mineral and vitamin supplements as needed
• Provide free access to salt
• If a horse fails to thrive, evaluate feed quantity, quality and availability as well as the health of the horse (including the state of their teeth, parasitism and age) to establish a cause
• Provide feed in no-spill containers to decrease the risk of sand colic
• During years with good rainfall in temperate areas with annually fertilized pastures, 2.5 acres of pasture per grazing horse should provide maintenance requirements

• Horses require daily access to forage that is mold-free and low in dust
• Feedstuffs must be species appropriate
• Concentrates should be stored securely to prevent overeating
• Diet should be sufficient for overall health and vitality
• Ensure the daily feed ratio meets maintenance and activity needs
• Provide access to salt, either in the ration or freely available (block or loose)

Recommendations: ^[1]

• All feed components should be of good quality and free from spoilage
• Clean buckets and troughs regularly
• Store concentrates in sealed, rodent-proof containers
• Remove baling twine and any other debris from the feeding area
• Employ feeding strategies that allow horses to forage or mimic their neutral feeding behavior
• Maximize the time that horses have access to forage
• Allow horses to feed in a head-down position, when possible
• The ground/flooring where horses are fed should be free from contaminants (e.g., sand and manure) or the feed should not be in direct contact with the ground
• Monitor the weight and body condition score of individual horses on a weekly basis and adjust the feed to maintain an optimum body condition score
• Have feeds, including forage, analyzed to obtain accurate nutrient values
• Provide feed on a regular daily schedule, preferably divided into several meals
• Make any changes to the type or quantity of feed gradually over 7-10 days to avoid gastrointestinal upset
• Feed on the basis of the energy value and weight of the feed, not the volume

• Feed rations must include sufficient structured feed (hay, straw, long grass, silage, etc.)
• Feeding equipment must be designed, manufactured and installed to minimize risk of contamination of feed or injury of the horse

• It is forbidden to withhold necessary food essential for the physiological needs of the horse, based on their development, adaptation or domestication
• Feeding facilities must be designed and constructed to limit the risks of contamination and minimize negative effects of competition between animals

• Ground level feeding is recommended
• If no continuous supply of fiber-rich food is available, provide it for at least twelve hours a day, with feeding breaks not exceeding 4 hours
• Every horse, even in a group, must have access to a feeding place simultaneously
• Automatic feeders should not disturb the eating horse
• Ensure the automatic feeder is functional daily
• Ensure feed is safe for health, and keep containers clean
• Outdoor feeding places should protect feed from spoilage and contamination
• Take measures to avoid excessive nutrient intake, such as using dense hay nets, slow feeder racks, or time-controlled racks
• Distribute larger concentrates over at least three portions per day
• Diets should meet the needs of each individual horse’s maintenance and performance requirements
• Avoid overfeeding or malnutrition
• Feed must be protected from spoilage and contamination

• Horse must be given sufficient feed of appropriate quality

Requirements: ^[6]

• Horses should receive fiber-rich roughage every day, well-distributed over 24 hours
• Roughage should be supplemented with concentrates or nutritional supplements as necessary
• Diets should meet each horse’s individual needs based on breed, age, workload, health and nutritional status

Recommendations: ^[6]

• Inspect roughage quality daily
• Do not let a horse go longer than 4-6 hours without access to high-quality roughage
• Never give more concentrate than roughage
• Feed roughage before concentrates
• Feed transitions should be made gradually, over a period of approximately 5 days
• Feed 1.5kg of roughage per 100kg of horse body weight
• Give horses a maximum of 2kg of concentrates per feeding, and ponies a maximum of 1kg
• If vitamin/mineral levels of roughage is unknown, horses should be given a suitable vitamin/mineral supplement and salt lick to meet their daily nutritional needs
• Grazing behavior is important for equine welfare and should be facilitated as much as possible

• Provide horses with adequate daily quantities of food and nutrients to maintain good health, meet physiological demands and minimize metabolic and nutritional disorders
• Take urgent remedial action if a horse shows signs of being emaciated or very fat

Recommendations: ^[7]

• Introduce any changes to a horse’s diet gradually over several days and monitor closely
• Remove twine and wrap from baled forage to prevent the risk of illness or injury from ingestion or entanglement
• Feed horses receiving supplementary concentrated feed in smaller amounts spread throughout the day
• Feed forage at floor level and maintain the underlying ground reasonably clean to aid horses’ respiratory health
• Keep paddocks free of plants that are poisonous to horses
• If working horses are given a “rest” day, reduce grain ration to decrease the risk of metabolic problems

• Provide a predominantly fiber-based diet mimicking a natural feeding program
• Quality forage must be clean, free from debris, with no mold or dust
• Feed at floor level for respiratory health, on clean ground
• Ensure adequate grazing; supplement, if necessary
• Limit the quantity of concentrates to meet energy levels to avoid health issues
• Spread meals throughout the day, with concentrate rations broken into at least two meals
• Provide constant access to forage during non-exercise hours to mimic natural grazing patterns
• Sudden appetite changes may be indicative of health issues
• Monitor weight and condition regularly; obesity and overeating can induce metabolic issues; grazing may need restrictions. Careful diet management is crucial to prevent metabolic issues. Monitor donkey weight to help prevent metabolic issues.
• Do not feed large meals immediately before or after exercise, as this can risk gastrointestinal upset
• Feed should be kept in vermin-proof containers
• Group feeding areas should have one feeding site per horse, plus one extra. There should be two horse-lengths between each site
• Diet changes should be made gradually

• Provide a balanced, predominantly fiber based diet (grass, hay, haylage, hay replacement) to mimic natural feeding patterns
• Consider individual needs based on age, breed, weight, condition, health and work level
• Grazing should ensure sufficient roughage and minerals; supplement if grazing is poor
• Use electric fencing to limit grazing in large areas
• All conserved forage must be high quality, clean, and free from contamination
• Feeding at floor level promotes respiratory health and mimics natural grazing positions
• Limit cereals (concentrates) as supplementary feeds to meet energy needs; avoid hard work on a full stomach
• Process and store feed in vermin-proof containers
• When feeding groups, provide one feeder per animal plus an extra point; maintain two body lengths of distance to minimize competition
• Regularly monitor weight and condition to prevent welfare issues; adjust feeding for animals that are too fat or too thin
• Obesity, especially during lush spring or autumn growth, poses a high risk of laminitis; grazing may need restriction

• Ensure the horse’s feed is roughage-based and meets its nutritional and activity requirements
• Ensure the horse maintains a healthy body condition, avoiding extremes of underweight or overweight
• Provide high-quality and safe feed and water
• Access to feed and water should be provided without causing stress or injury
• Horses should be fed forage sufficient enough to prevent the development of stereotypies or digestive disorders
• Minimum required width of feeding trough space per horse depends on horse’s height:
  • < 10.2 hh = 0.50 m
  • 10.3 hh – 12.3 hh = 0.55 m
  • 13.0 hh – 13.3 hh = 0.60 m
  • 14.0 hh – 14.3 hh = 0.65 m
  • 15.0 hh – 15.3 hh = 0.70 m
  • 16.0 hh – 16.3 hh = 0.75 m
  • > 17 hh = 0.80 m

Recommendation: ^[10]

• Purchase feed from registered feed companies

• Horses should have access to roughage, like feed straw, to support natural foraging behaviors
• Exception: during pasturing

• Horses must have a healthy diet, including fresh, clean water
• Feeding and watering equipment must be designed, constructed and placed so that contamination and risk of harmful effects of competition between animals are minimized

Requirements: ^[12]

• Provide constant access to forage (grass, hay, haylage) particularly if stabled for long periods
• Conserved forage (hay, haylage) must be clean, fresh-smelling and free from mold and dust
• Feeding at floor level promotes respiratory health
• Good quality grazing usually meets roughage needs; supplements may be necessary if grazing is inadequate
• Limit concentrates based on energy needs; daily rations should be spread over a minimum of two meals
• Group feeding areas should have one feeding site per horse, plus one extra. There should be two horse-lengths between each site
• Over-feeding and obesity are significant concerns for both donkeys and horses, requiring nutritionist consultation
• Gradual diet changes (volume, feed, hay) are recommended to avoid gastrointestinal upset like colic and diarrhea
• Horses should not be fed grass mixes meant for production animals like cows or sheep, due to risk of obesity and laminitis
• If a horse is on a weight management diet, take measures to reduce their calorie intake while still allowing natural feeding behavior (e.g., haynets with small holes, soaked hay, etc.)
• Donkeys should have constant access to feed-quality straw, with restricted access to grass, hay or haylage
• Do not feed large meals of concentrate or forage immediately before or after exercise, as this can risk ulcers. But a small handful of forage prior to exercise may reduce ulcer risk
• Feed should be kept in vermin-proof containers
• Monitor weight and body condition regularly

• Horses should be offered palatable, safe food at levels sufficient to maintain good health.
• Diet should take into consideration the age, condition and size of the horse
• Horses must be fed at least once a day
• Food should be accessible to all horses in an enclosure and placed in an area that minimizes risk of contamination

• Provide a balanced, predominantly fiber-based diet using grass, hay, haylage or hay replacement
• Supplement poor grazing with feed
• Aim to mimic the natural feeding pattern closely
• Feed an appropriate diet reflecting individual needs, age, breed, weight, condition and health
• Make any dietary changes gradually
• Allow for natural behavior, such as walking considerable distances
• Obesity is a serious welfare concern and a risk factor for laminitis, manage weight and body condition by providing appropriate feed and exercise
• Manage dietary factors, especially during lush grass growth, to reduce the risk of laminitis
• Refer to Body Condition Scoring diagrams for assessing horse or donkey condition; consult a vet for further guidance
• Donkeys: Provide free access to barley straw; feed a controlled amount of hay in winter to maintain condition
• Group feeding areas should have one feeding site per horse, plus one extra. There should be two horse-lengths between each site
• Store feed in vermin-proof containers
• Horses should not be made to do strenuous exercise on a full stomach

• Use sturdy materials, such as timber or steel piping and steel or concrete posts for fencing
• Post and rail fencing is recommended
• Avoid barbed wire and high tensile wire fencing
• Gates and doors to stables, yards and paddocks should be at least 1.3 m (4.27 ft) wide. Swinging stable doors should open outwards
• Fences should be high enough to prevent escape

• Design gateways for safe and easy horse passage
• Avoid barbed wire, prefabricated wire fencing and high-tensile wire (2.8 mm or 2.5 mm) to prevent injury

Recommendations: ^[2]

• Ensure permanent and temporary fences are visible to horses
• Ensure proper maintenance of fences to confine horses
• Properly installed and maintained electric fencing (when used in conjunction with conventional post-and-wire or post-and-rail fences) offers a safe and effective barrier for horses
• Supervision is necessary when introducing horses to electric fences to ensure their education and safety
• Double fencing can reduce injury and promote biosecurity as it restricts nose-to-nose contact between horses
• Gates should be a minimum of 1.2 m (4 ft) wide and fastened securely
• Fencing suitability depends on factors such as size, sex, disposition, stocking density and paddock size. Strong and tall fencing is important for stallion enclosures

• Ensure safe, horse-friendly fences that prevent injury and effectively contain horses
• Comply with municipal fencing by-laws where applicable
• Properly install electrical fences according to manufacturer guidelines, using safe power units
• Temporary electric fences (typically used for strip grazing or pasture rotation) are not acceptable for permanent perimeter fencing

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Introduce horses to new fenced areas in daylight to lower injury risk
• Mark fencing that is difficult to see (e.g. smooth wire) with flags for visibility
• Supervise horses during their initial exposure to electric fencing
• Install gates that are at minimum 1.2 m (4 ft) wide for horse access

• Barbed wire as fencing is forbidden

• It is forbidden to keep horses outside when there is insufficient fencing, natural obstacles that put them at risk of injury
• Pens and paddocks must be designed to prevent escape

• Fencing should be visible and sturdy
• Defective or inadequate fencing, barbed wire, and certain metal wires are considered animal welfare concerns
• Barbed wire as the sole fencing is considered inhumane
• Design factors include breed, sex, grazing patterns, herd density, feed availability, pasture type, location, and size
• Sharp angles and bottlenecks should be avoided
• Electric devices should meet specific requirements for voltage, pulse energy, and certification
• Fence height should be ≥ 0.75 x withers height
• Fences should be made of wood, metal pipes or electric fencing

• Design, construct and maintain fences to minimize risk of injury to horses

Recommendations: ^[7]

• Avoid high-tensile steel or barbed wire when constructing fencing for horses
• Supervise horses until they are accustomed to boundaries of electric fencing in a paddock
• Ensure boundary fences are visible to horses
• Remove equipment, machinery and garbage from paddocks
• Avoid tethering horses

• Ensure fences are strong and adequately tall to prevent escape
• Stallions may require higher fences
• Ensure gateways allow easy, safe animal passage and are securely fastened to prevent injury or escape
• Avoid using sheep wire and barbed wire in fields
• If plain wire is used, ensure it is visible to animals and kept taut to prevent entanglement
• Electric fences should be designed to provide only momentary discomfort to animals upon contact and properly grounded
• Animals within electric fencing require extra supervision until they are accustomed to it
• Temporary internal subdivisions with electrified tape and plastic posts are effective but should not serve as the sole boundary fence
• Horse fences should be 1.08 – 1.38 m (3 ft 6 in – 4 ft 6 in)
• Pony fences should be 1.0 – 1.3 m (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 3 in)
• Stallion fence height should be 1.38 – 1.8 m (4 ft 6 in – 6 ft)
• The lowest fence rail in all cases should be 0.5 m (1 ft 6 in) above the ground

• Ensure fences are strong and adequately tall to prevent escape
• Stallions may require higher fences
• Ensure gateways allow easy, safe animal passage and are securely fastened to prevent injury or escape
• Sheep wire should not be used
• Avoid using barbed wire in fields; if present, install an inner fence to prevent direct contact with barbed wire
• If plain wire is used, ensure it is visible to animals and kept taut to prevent entanglement
• Electric fences should be designed to provide only momentary discomfort to animals upon contact and properly grounded
• Animals within electric fencing require extra supervision until they are accustomed to it
• Temporary internal subdivisions with electrified tape and plastic posts are effective but should not serve as the sole boundary fence
• Stallions may require a double fence line and possibly an electric fence line along the top

Recommendations: ^[9]

• Horse fences should be 1.08 – 1.38 m (3 ft 6 in – 4 ft 6 in)
• Pony fences should be 1.0 – 1.3 m (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 3 in)
• Stallion fence height should be 1.38 – 1.8 m (4 ft 6 in – 6 ft)
• The lowest fence rail in all cases should be 0.5 m (1 ft 6 in) above the ground

• Fences must be erected and maintained well and designed in a way that horses are not injured
• Barbed wire is banned in horse paddocks

• Barbed wire as fencing is forbidden, but special temporary permits for use may be given if the pasture is extensive and has another barrier

• Fences must be sturdy and of adequate height
• Ensure fences are strong and adequately tall to prevent escape
• Stallions may require higher fences
• Design and construction should prevent injury: no sharp projections
• Maintenance is crucial for ensuring safety
• Gateways should allow for easy and safe passage of horses, and be fastened securely
• Avoid using barbed wire or sheep wire fencing. If it must be used, it should be stretched tight
• Where plain wire fencing is used, make sure the thin wire is easily visible to the horse
• Stallions may require a double fence line and possibly an electric fence line along the top
• Electric fences should be managed so that contact with them does not cause more than momentary discomfort to the horse. They should be properly grounded
• Horses contained by electric fencing require extra supervision until they become accustomed to it
• Temporary internal subdivisions with electrified tape and plastic posts are effective but should not serve as the sole boundary fence

Recommendations: ^[12]

• Horse fences should be 1.08 – 1.38 m (3 ft 6 in to 4 ft 6 in)
• Pony fences should be 1.0 – 1.3 m (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 3 in)
• Stallion fence height should be 1.38 – 1.8 m (4 ft 6 in to 6 ft)
• The lowest fence rail in all cases should be 0.5 m (1 ft 6 in) above the ground

• Ensure fences are strong and adequately tall to prevent escape
• Stallions may require higher fences
• Ensure gateways allow easy, safe animal passage and are securely fastened to prevent injury or escape
• Barbed wire fencing should not be used
• Fencing such as sheep wire or plain wire that is not normally designed for horses can cause injury
• If plain wire is used, ensure it is visible to animals and kept taut to prevent entanglement
• Electric fences: Should be designed to provide only momentary discomfort to animals upon contact and properly grounded
• Animals within electric fencing require extra supervision until they are accustomed to it
• Temporary internal subdivisions with electrified tape and plastic posts are effective but should not serve as the sole boundary fence

Recommendations: ^[13]

• Horse fences should be 1.08 – 1.38 m (3 ft 6 in – 4 ft 6 in)
• Pony fences should be 1.0 – 1.3 m (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 3 in)
• Stallion fence height should be 1.38 – 1.8 m (4 ft 6 in – 6 ft)
• The lowest fence rail in all cases should be 0.5 m (1 ft 6 in) above the ground

• Mares in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy should only be transported under veterinary advice, unless the trip is less than 4 hours
• Horses with high-grade lameness (4 or 5 out of 5 on the AAEP lameness scale) should not be transported unless under veterinary advice

Recommendations: ^[25]

• Mares should not be transported within 7 days of foaling unless for veterinary treatment
• Horses with a body condition score below 2/5 should only be transported for veterinary treatment, and for the shortest distance necessary
• When assessing fitness, consider how health status may impact the welfare of the horse during travelling. If a horse shows signs of colic, elevated or lowered temperature, lethargy, profuse diarrhea, disease, wounds or abscesses, welfare considerations should be made.

• Avoid transporting horses with lameness scores of four or five on the AAEP lameness scale without veterinary advice
• Pregnant mares in the last four weeks need veterinary advice for journeys over four hours
• Mares in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy should only be transported under veterinary advice, unless the trip is less than 4 hours

Recommendations: ^[25]

• Mares should not be transported within 7 days of foaling unless for veterinary treatment
• Horses with a body condition score below 2/5 should only be transported for veterinary treatment, and for the shortest distance necessary

• Assess each horse individually for transport fitness before travel
• Avoid transporting unfit horses except for veterinary diagnosis or treatment, with adherence to special provisions
• Horses who are likely to suffer during transport due to a state of severe injury or illness should not be transported unless being taken for veterinary care
• Mares in the last 10% of gestation or who have given birth within the last 48 hours should not be transported unless for veterinary care
• Horses who are extremely thin should not be transported
• Horses who are “compromised” are able to travel but have a reduced capacity to withstand it due to injury or illness. Care must be taken to manage their comfort, hydration and health. A horse who is compromised must be given food, water and rest every 12 hours at minimum during transportation.

Requirements: ^[1]

• Segregate every mare with suckling offspring from other animals during transport
• Segregate mature stallions from all other animals during transport
• Conduct individual assessments of horses before loading and upon their return to the farm

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Ensure handlers are trained in proper loading and unloading procedures
• Ensure roads and loading areas are accessible in all kinds of weather
• Ensure loading facilities have gentle ramps and are uniformly lit (avoid sharp contrasts and shadows)

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel
• Horses under 4 months old should only be transported 100km or more if accompanied by their mother

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel

• Do not transport horses unless they are physically capable of enduring the entire journey without pain or suffering
• Animals scheduled for transport should be able to stand and bear weight on all limbs
• Exercise caution in determining the suitability of transporting young, old, pregnant, or physiologically/behaviorally compromised animals
• Avoid transporting animals likely to give birth during the journey or facing metabolic complications from late pregnancy due to the trip
• Animals should not be transported if they show any injuries, signs of disease, abnormal behavior or physical abnormalities that could compromise their welfare during the journey, unless a vet has approved it

Recommendations: ^[30]

• Animals in the last third of their pregnancy should not be transported
• Animals should not be transported within 3 weeks after a painful procedure has been conducted

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel

• Only transport animals that are fit to be transported
• Do not transport sick or injured animals; mildly ill or injured animals may be transported unless it increases suffering
• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal

• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel
• Mares should not be transported within 35 days of their due date or within 7 days after foaling
• If travel would take more than 24 hours, pregnant mares within 6 weeks of their due date should not be transported

• Transport animals in a manner that avoids injury or suffering
• Pregnant horses, horses that have recently given birth and foals that are dependent on their mothers must only be transported with special precautions
• Injured or sick animals may only be transported for treatment or slaughter; the travel distance should be minimized with special precautionary measures

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel

• Ensure horses are healthy enough for travel and meet destination regulations
• Mares in heat should not be transported with stallions
• Foals who have not yet reached puberty should not travel in the same primary enclosure with adult horses besides their dam
• Horses who are obviously in physical distress should not be transported

Recommendation: ^[34][35][36]

• Transport horses in a way that reduces the risk of illness, injury, fatigue, or any other unnecessary suffering through the transportation process

• Transportation should not cause injury or undue suffering to an animal
• Horses who cannot move without pain or walk unassisted, have a severe open wound or prolapse, or are extremely ill or weak should not be transported unless it is for veterinary care
• Mares should not be transported in the last 10% of pregnancy or if they have given birth within the last 7 days
• Foals whose navel wound has not yet healed should not be transported
• Horses who are slightly injured or ill but are not likely to endure increased suffering due to transportation may still be fit to travel

• Floors should allow for adequate drainage and allow horses to stand and walk normally

• Yard, shed and stall floors should facilitate proper drainage and offer stable footing for horses

• Install non-slip surfaces in stalls and alleyways to promote safety and reduce the risk of falling or slipping

Recommendation: ^[1]

• Keep flooring dry and free from standing water or urine

• Ensure the stable floor is even and not slippery to prevent injuries

• Floors must be impermeable, well-maintained, have a good slope to ensure drainage and allow for the removal of waste

• Ensure the flooring in the horses’ living area is sure-footed and non-slip, while meeting hygiene standards
• This includes stable aisles, washing, grooming, shoeing, treatment areas
• Ensure that the stable floor is constructed with a preference for soft, absorbent surfaces where horses tend to urinate
• Housing on slatted floors is not horse-friendly
• Horses must have access to a sufficiently large, dry resting place so they can lie down on their sides

• Construct non-slip floors designed to drain liquid effluent away
• Internal surfaces (including flooring) must be constructed and maintained to ensure there are no hazards likely to cause injury to horses

• Floors should be level, slip-resistant and designed for effective drainage to remove waste from horse’s area

• Floors should be level, slip-resistant and designed for effective drainage to remove waste from horse’s area

• Floors must have a smooth and non-slip surface to prevent injuries
• Ensure flooring material provides adequate traction, especially in wet conditions

• Ensure floors are even, non-slip and promote drainage
• Design should facilitate the removal of waste away from horse

• Floors should be level, slip-resistant and designed for effective drainage to remove waste from horse’s area

• Design and maintain facilities that reduce the risk of injury

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Construct or renovate facilities so horses can interact with each other through sight, sound and smell
• Regularly inspect equipment for proper functionality
• Eliminate sharp corners, projections and hazardous objects in the facilities
• Design facilities for easy cleaning and disinfection
• Consider factors (drainage, manure removal) when choosing the facility’s location on the property during construction

• Loose boxes must have sufficient room to allow the horse to stand freely in the normal position with the head fully raised, walk forward and turn, lie down, roll, stretch and groom themselves without restrictions

Recommendations: ^[2]

• Ensure exercise, pasture time, a high-fiber diet, social interaction and environmental enrichment to reduce stress, boredom and the risk of stereotypic behavior in horses stabled indoors
• Stable design should allow visual contact with other horses, humans and activities
• There should only be one horse per loose box stall
• Two weanlings may be kept together in a single loose box during weaning

• In indoor facilities: ensure each horse has enough space for comfortable lying, standing with the head fully raised, walking forward and turning
• In tie stalls: provide adequate space for lying down, standing comfortably with the head raised and stepping forward
• In group housing: allow space for subordinate horses to escape aggression

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Ceiling height: Minimum clearance of 61 cm (2 ft) above head height when standing; Ideal clearance of 1 m (3.3 ft)
• Alleyways: Should be at least 3 m (9.8 ft) wide to allow for comfortable turning
• Doorways: Should be at least 1.22 m (4 ft) wide for easy passage, with double width for doorways accommodating two horses
• Discourage the use of doorways designed for human passage
• Ensure entrances for horses are at least 30.5 cm (1 ft) above head height in a normal standing posture

• Living areas must meet the needs of horses, ensuring freedom of movement during eating, drinking and resting
• Horses may be tied for up to 2 hours under supervision, if they are trained to stand without supervision. Trained horses may be tied for up to 5 hours in a day if they are housed in groups all the time and this tying is necessary for safety. Horses may be tied longer for the purposes of transport or competitions.
• Areas and equipment should be built, installed and maintained to provide the best possible protection against injuries and prevent significant disadvantages
• Doors and fixtures must be designed to be low-noise
• Any mechanical equipment used in the daily care of horses must be inspected at least once a day

• Housing facilities must not be harmful to the animals. There should be no sharp edges or protrusions that risk injury
• Facility construction should make it easy to clean and disinfect, which should be done regularly.
• Any automated or mechanical equipment essential to the health and welfare of animals must be inspected at least once per day

• Stalls should be sufficiently spacious
• Barn climate should be comfortable for horses
• The stable environment should not pose a threat to horse safety
• Stalls must be designed so that social contact is possible while stalled
• Extreme or prolonged ambient noise or other stressors within the stable is avoided

Recommendations: ^[6]

• Stalled horses should be able to see one another at minimum, and ideally touch and sniff each other
• The facility should meet applicable standards for fire safety
• Electrical wiring should not be exposed or accessible to horses or rodents

• Design, construct, and maintain horse housing to minimize distress or injury
• Fittings and internal surfaces should be hazard-free to prevent injuries to horses
• Position water containers and feed bins to minimize the risk of injury
• Horses housed in buildings must be monitored frequently enough to ensure their health and welfare are maintained
• Horses may not be tied in a stall for longer than 6 hours in a day unless under veterinary direction

• Ensure buildings have solid construction without any potential injury-causing surfaces or projections
• Ensure surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected
• When applying treatments, ensure the use of non-toxic paints or wood preservatives
• Ensure fixtures (tie rings, water bowls, etc.) do not have sharp edges and are positioned to avoid injury
• Halters should not be left on in stables to prevent entanglement
• Stable doors should allow the horse to look out with their head comfortably over the bottom half of the door. Standard door heights may be too tall for ponies and donkeys
• If using indoor communal barns, take care to ensure all horses have enough space and that social groups are compatible

Recommendations: ^[8]

• Doors should be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) wide and should be able to be fastened with top and bottom bolts

• Ensure buildings have solid construction without any potential injury-causing surfaces or projections
• Ensure surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected
• When applying treatments, ensure the use of non-toxic paints or wood preservatives
• Ensure fixtures (tie rings, water bowls, etc.) do not have sharp edges and are positioned to avoid injury
• Halters should not be left on in stables to prevent entanglement
• Stable doors should allow the horse to look out with their head comfortably over the bottom half of the door. Standard door heights may be too tall for ponies and donkeys
• If using indoor communal barns, take care to ensure all horses have enough space and that social groups are compatible
• Stable doors should be a minimum of 4 ft (1.2 m) wide and open outwards, and should be able to be secured by top and bottom bolts

• Keep stalls clean and well-maintained
• Noise in stable must not be at high frequency that adversely affects health of horse
• Horses must not be kept in a stable for more than 16 hours per day unless directed by a vet
• Stalls should be designed in a way that keeps horses from harm. They should be easily cleaned and disinfected, with no protrusions or structures that could harm a horse even if kicked, loose objects are secured and harmful substances are kept out of the horse’s reach
• Horses may only occasionally be exposed to mechanical noise exceeding 65 dBA

• Lying areas in housing must have sufficient, clean, dry bedding
• Visual, auditory and olfactory contact with another horse is required
• Horses must not be tethered; temporary tethering for specific situations (grooming, feeding, transport, overnight treks, events, etc.) is permitted

• Primary considerations: safety, comfort, drainage, ventilation and easy access
• Design and construction should prevent injury: no sharp projections
• Non-toxic paints or preservatives should be used
• Fixtures should not have sharp projections to prevent injury
• Hay nets should be placed at head height and secured to avoid risk of entanglement
• Halters should not be left on in stables to prevent entanglement
• Stable doors should allow the horse to look out with their head comfortably over the bottom half of the door. Standard door heights may be too tall for ponies and donkeys
• Doors should be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) wide, and should be able to be fastened

• Ambient temperatures in indoor housing facilities should not fall above or below temperatures compatible with horses’ health and comfort, and should be regulated with heating or cooling systems as necessary
• Incorporate systems to rapidly remove excess water from indoor housing, and must comply with local drainage and environmental protection laws
• Excreta should be removed from primary enclosures as often as possible to prevent contamination of horses, reduce disease risk and minimize odors
• Areas that previously housed a horse with an infectious disease must be sanitized with hot water (>180° F) and soap or detergent, then disinfected
• A program for the control of insects, parasites and pests should be established and employed

• Ensure buildings have solid construction without any potential injury-causing surfaces or projections
• Ensure surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected
• When applying treatments, ensure the use of non-toxic paints or wood preservatives
• Ensure fixtures (tie rings, water bowls, etc.) do not have sharp edges and are positioned to avoid injury
• Halters should not be left on in stables to prevent entanglement
• Doors should be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) wide, should not open inwards, and should be able to be fastened by top and bottom bolts
• Stable doors should allow the horse to look out with their head comfortably over the bottom half of the door. Standard door heights may be too tall for ponies and donkeys
• If using indoor communal barns, take care to ensure all horses have enough space and that social groups are compatible

• Stables, stalls and boxes need adequate lighting that allows for horse inspection

• Provide artificial daylight for horses kept inside; continuous darkness is unacceptable

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Secure light fixtures out of reach of horses, avoid exposed light bulbs
• Allow horses, especially foals, a period of darkness to encourage sleep

• Ensure sufficient natural light, supplemented with artificial light
• Distribute lighting evenly for horses to see each other and surroundings
• Aim for a circadian rhythm in lighting, ensuring suitable periods of light and darkness

Artificial Lighting

• Provide artificial lighting of sufficient strength for constant visibility
• Place light sources to avoid inconvenience to horses

• Avoid permanent darkness
• Prevent continuous exposure to artificial lighting
• Provide artificial lighting when natural light is insufficient to meet physiological and ethological requirements

• Horses should have access to natural light daily (paddock, outdoor flaps, etc.), as artificial light sources cannot replace the natural sunlight spectrum
• Window area should be 1/20 of barn area, and larger if shaded
• Maintain a minimum lighting intensity of 80 lux in the animal area of the horse stable for at least 8 hours per day
• Lighting fixtures and electrical wiring must be used safely and kept out of reach of the horses

• Stable lighting should be at least 100 lux for 8 hours per day

• Ensure natural or comparable artificial lighting during daylight hours

• Ensure adequate lighting for visibility, safety and inspection. (consider portable lighting)
• Install enclosed light bulbs and secure cabling and fittings out of reach
• Safety glass should be used for windows
• Grills that separate the window from the horse are recommended
• Lighting units should be inspected annually by a qualified electrician
• Wiring should be inaccessible to both horses and rodents
• Fire risk can be reduced by having the whole installation protected with a residual current device (RCD)

• Ensure adequate lighting for visibility, safety and inspection; consider portable lighting
• Install enclosed light bulbs and secure cabling and fittings out of reach
• Safety glass should be used for windows
• Grills that separate the window from the horse are recommended
• Lighting units should be inspected annually by a qualified electrician
• Wiring should be inaccessible to both horses and rodents

• Horses must have access to sufficient daylight to maintain circadian rhythm and physiological seasonal variations
• Install fixed lighting in the stable that is sufficient to see and inspect horses without difficulty
• Ensure lighting is not uncomfortable for the horses

• Ensure sufficient light in stables for visibility, inspection and safe handling
• Consider portable lighting if necessary
• Enclose light bulbs in safety fittings and secure cabling out of reach

• Ensure adequate lighting for visibility, safety and inspection; consider portable lighting
• Install enclosed light bulbs and secure cabling an fittings out of reach
• Safety glass should be used for windows
• Grills that separate the window from the horse are recommended
• Lighting units should be inspected annually by a qualified electrician
• Wiring should be inaccessible to both horses and rodents
• Fire risk can be reduced by having the whole installation protected with a residual current device (RCD)

• Avoid using sticks, plastic, metal piping, heavy leather belts or other objects to strike horses
• Avoid using electric prods or dogs to assist in loading horses

• Use appropriate loading and unloading facilities and equipment, ensuring well-lit ramps with slopes not exceeding 30°
• Do not beat, whip or kick a horse to load them
• Do not rush or frighten horses during loading or unloading
• Prods (electric or otherwise) may not be used on horses

Requirements: ^[1]

• Mares with suckling offspring must be segregated from all other animals during transport
• Mature stallions must be segregated during transport

• Loading and unloading facilities and they way they are used must ensure the safety of horses and not cause suffering

• Facilities for loading and unloading should be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and suffering, and minimize distress
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Ramp angle for loading and unloading should be 20° or less.
• Any ramp steeper than 10° must be provided with foot battens or a similar system to assist animals with climbing
• Appropriate lighting will be provided during loading and unloading
• Horses may not be kicked, struck, dragged or subject to the use of prods (electric or otherwise)

• Facilities for loading and unloading should be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and suffering, and minimize distress
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Ramp angle for loading and unloading should be 20° or less.
• Any ramp steeper than 10° must be provided with foot battens or a similar system to assist animals with climbing
• Appropriate lighting will be provided during loading and unloading
• Horses may not be kicked, struck, dragged or subject to the use of prods (electric or otherwise)

• Construct and upkeep loading and unloading facilities to allow for unobstructed movement of horses without hazards
• Facilities must suit specific conditions, species and quantity of animals
• Facilitate seamless connection between trailer (conveyance) and loading ramp
• Protect horses from inclement weather while loading or unloading to protect from extreme temperatures
• Horses must be loaded and unloaded in a way that minimizes the risk of pain, injury or distress, using only the minimum force required
• Electric prods may not be used
• Horses known to be aggressive or who are likely to cause injury/distress to other animals must be kept separate prior to and during loading. And once inside the trailer, other animals must have space to escape injury
• Horses may not be dragged by their tail, head, ear, limbs or hair

Recommendations: ^[7][30]

• Horses should be loaded quietly without unnecessary noise, harassment or force
• When encouraging horses to move, use audible or visual measures rather than devices relying physical contact (e.g., a stick or whip)

• Facilities for loading and unloading should be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and suffering, and minimize distress
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Ramp angle for loading and unloading should be 20° or less.
• Any ramp steeper than 10° must be provided with foot battens or a similar system to assist animals with climbing
• Appropriate lighting will be provided during loading and unloading
• Horses may not be kicked, struck, dragged or subject to the use of prods (electric or otherwise)

• Facilities for loading and unloading should be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and suffering, and minimize distress
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Ramp angle for loading and unloading should be 20° or less.
• Any ramp steeper than 10° must be provided with foot battens or a similar system to assist animals with climbing
• Appropriate lighting will be provided during loading and unloading
• Horses may not be kicked, struck, dragged or subject to the use of prods (electric or otherwise)

• Facilities for loading and unloading should be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and suffering, and minimize distress
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Ramp angle for loading and unloading should be 20° or less.
• Any ramp steeper than 10° must be provided with foot battens or a similar system to assist animals with climbing
• Appropriate lighting will be provided during loading and unloading
• Horses may not be kicked, struck, dragged or subject to the use of prods (electric or otherwise)

• Horses must be loaded and unloaded using non-slip ramps if the distance between the ground and top edge of loading bridge is 25 cm or more
• Ramps do not need to be used if horse can leave trailer facing forwards
• To avoid injury, ramps should not be too steep and gaps should be narrow

• Facilities for loading and unloading should be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and suffering, and minimize distress
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Ramp angle for loading and unloading should be 20° or less.
• Any ramp steeper than 10° must be provided with foot battens or a similar system to assist animals with climbing
• Appropriate lighting will be provided during loading and unloading
• Horses may not be kicked, struck, dragged or subject to the use of prods (electric or otherwise)

• Facilities for loading and unloading should be designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and suffering, and minimize distress
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Ramp angle for loading and unloading should be 20° or less.
• Any ramp steeper than 10° must be provided with foot battens or a similar system to assist animals with climbing
• Appropriate lighting will be provided during loading and unloading
• Horses may not be kicked, struck, dragged or subject to the use of prods (electric or otherwise)

• Pasture alone cannot meet the needs of an aged horse

• Geriatric horses must receive a diet adequate for maintaining health and vigor

Recommendation: ^[1]

• Offer tepid water in cold temperatures to encourage intake (important for senior horses)
• Have a veterinarian perform a dental exam on senior horses at least once a year
• Work with a nutritionist or veterinarian to establish a feeding program for geriatric horses.
• Monitor the weight and body condition score of senior horses regularly – identify animals that are too thin or too fat, determine the cause and employ strategies to correct it
• Ensure senior horses have sufficient access to feed without competition

• Tailor nutritional requirements for senior horses

• Geriatric horses have special dietary requirements; ensure their needs are being met by consulting a veterinarian or equine nutritionist

• Lactating horses require more water than maintenance
• Lactating mares require ~70% more energy than horses at maintenance
• Pasture alone cannot meet the needs of a lactating mare

• Pregnant and lactating mares must receive a diet adequate for maintaining health and vigor and provides adequate nutrition for the foal

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Consult a nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure the nutrient requirements that are of concern during pregnancy and lactation are met
• Ensure mares are fed a diet with sufficient protein during pregnancy and lactation
• Supplement diets with concentrates when energy needs increase (late gestation and lactation), the mare needs to improve body condition score or if the nutrient content of hay is poor

• Adjust the diet of pregnant mares to meet increased energy demands associated with breeding

• Tailor nutritional requirements for pregnant mares

• Lactating mares may have increased water requirements

• Additional water may need to be given to heavily pregnant and lactating mares

• Stallions must must receive a diet adequate for maintaining health and vigor

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Take advantage of the months prior to breeding season to ensure the stallion’s body condition is appropriate

• Adjust the diet of stallions to meet increased energy demands associated with breeding

• Growing horses require more water than maintenance
• Adequate high-quality feed is essential for growing horses
• At six months of age, horses require as much energy-rich food and more protein than idle, adult horses

• Growing horses must receive a diet that is adequate for maintaining health, growth and vigor

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Consult a veterinarian or nutritionist when caring for an orphaned foal to ensure their nutritional requirements are met
• Ensure the total daily ration for growing horses consists of 13 – 15% protein overall
• Consult a nutritionist or veterinarian to determine if your foal would benefit from creep feed
• Consult a nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure the nutrient requirements of young horses entering training are met
• Feed horses of similar nutritional needs together

• Feed an appropriate diet considering age, type, weight, condition, health, and level of work to maintain good condition.

• Feed an appropriate diet considering age, type, weight, condition, health, and level of work to maintain good condition

• Feed an appropriate diet considering age, type, weight, condition, health, and level of work to maintain good condition

• Horses in work must receive a diet that is adequate for maintaining health and vigor

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Avoid feeding immediately before or after strenuous exercise
• Ensure sufficient salt is provided as horses lose salt in sweat during work

• Provide shelter (natural or constructed) for protection from extreme weather conditions
• Attend to horses displaying signs of heat or cold stress

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Ensure ample shelter space for all horses in the turnout area
• Design or renovate shelters to make waste removal efficient

• Yards must be cleaned at least once per day
• Continuously stabled horses must receive exercise for at least one hour a day, which can include turnout in a large yard
• Horses stabled long term should be spelled outside at least once a year
• Horses managed in broadacre systems must be inspected regularly for signs of disease, distress and injury
• Paddocks should be free of noxious plants and hazards or garbage that may injure horses
• Colts, stallions, weanlings, pregnant mares and sick horses may need to be separated from groups as necessary

• Design and maintain premises to minimize risk of injury
• Avoid overcrowding in confinement
• Yards must provide adequate space for horses to stand freely in a normal position with the head fully raised, walk forward and turn, lie down, roll, stretch and groom themselves without restrictions
• There must be adequate numbers of paddocks of yards to permit animals of similar age, sex, size and compatible temperament to be grouped

Recommendation: ^[2]

• Paddocks and yards must be cleared of harmful plants, debris and garbage to reduce risk of horse injury
• The floors of yards should permit adequate drainage and provide firm footing for horses

• Ensure horses have adequate space for easy movement, including walking, turning and comfortable lying down at a minimum
• Provide sufficient space for subordinate horses to escape potential aggression from other horses
• Ensure horses have access to a mud-free, well drained area for standing and lying down
• Time the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and manure to prevent health risks to grazing horses and groundwater contamination

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Implement effective pasture management (rotation, weed control, stocking density)
• Ensure pastures are free from equipment, debris and poisonous plants

• Every team of horses must have access to a paddock with a minimum area of 800 m²
• The shortest side of the paddock must be at least 20 m
• If paddock is used by more than 4 horses at the same time, the 800 m² area requirement is increased by 200 m² per horse
• A paddock of minimum size (800m²) may not be used by more than 20 horses in a day
• Horses must be exercised or given free movement in the paddock for at least 2 hours, 5 days a week
• When stallions are 1 – 2 years old, they must be in a paddock with their peers
• When colts and fillies are less than 1 year old, they must be in a paddock with their peers for at least 2 hours, 5 days a week

Winter

• Horses may live outside more than 12 hours a day if they have a strong, dense coat and are in good health. Access to dry, bedded shelter is necessary in this scenario

• Protection against inclement weather and predators is mandatory

• Horses kept outdoors year-round must have access to dry areas simultaneously
• Hygienic standards must be met in both large outdoor areas and smaller paddocks
• Natural ground may not always meet these requirements, necessitating an artificial ground structure with layers for support, separation, and traction

Recommendations: ^[5]

• Additional areas suitable for lying down and rolling around are recommended

• Provide as much free space for movement as possible

Recommendations: ^[6]

• Stalled horses should have at least 4 hours of movement outside of their stall per day. This may be controlled movement (exercise, riding, lunging), but at least 30 minutes must be free movement in a paddock
• When creating social groups, consider the best arrangement to ensure stable group dynamics, including space allowed per horse
• Fencing should be safe with no barbed wire on the inside

• Feces and urine must not be permitted to accumulate to such an extent that they threaten the health and welfare of the horses

Recommendations: ^[7]

• If a horse has recently been transitioned from stall housing to a paddock, check on them daily to monitor for potential negative effects of this environmental change
• Avoid constructing yards and pens with electrified tape or electrical wire as the sole barrier
• Yard horses within visual contact of familiar horses to minimize stress
• Regularly inspect horses in facilities to ensure their well being and identify any injuries

• If pasture is being used as a primary feed source without supplementary feed, ensure each horse has 0.5 – 1.0 hectares (1.25 – 2.5 acres) of quality grazing; donkeys need 0.2 – 0.4 hectares
• Depending on ground conditions, season, type of horse and pasture management, Donkeys and horses may require less pasture when grazing is abundant to prevent detrimental effects of overgrazing
• A pasture management program should be implemented to avoid overgrazing, aid parasite control, maintain good drainage and control weeds. For example, regularly picking up droppings and implementing rotational grazing
• Horses must have a comfortable, well-drained area to stand, lie down, eat and drink
• Ensure fields are free of dangerous objects and poisonous plants
• Grass cuttings and hedge clippings are not suitable for consumption
• When possible, remove horses from pasture during wet conditions to prevent overgrazing, poaching, and health issues like mud fever

Recommendations: ^[8]

• Horses who live in stalls should receive daily turnout in a field, allowing them to graze and socialize with other horses

• Each horse should have 1 – 1.5 acres of good grazing if no supplementary feeding is provided. Donkeys require significantly less pasture
• Horses may require less pasture when grazing is abundant to prevent detrimental effects of overgrazing
• A pasture management program should be implemented to avoid overgrazing, aid worm control, maintain good drainage and control weeds. For example, regularly picking up droppings and implementing rotational grazing
• Horses must have a comfortable, well-drained area to stand, lie down, eat and drink
• Ensure fields are free of dangerous objects and poisonous plants
• Grass cuttings and hedge clippings are not suitable for consumption
• When possible, remove horses from pasture during wet conditions to prevent overgrazing, poaching, and health issues like mud fever

Recommendations: ^[9]

• Horses who live in stalls should receive a daily period of free exercise either via turnout or in an arena

• Pastures and other outside exercise areas must be free from objects with risk of injury to horse
• Ground surfaces must be sufficiently drained
• At facilities in operation before these regulations came into place, turnout in an indoor arena is acceptable
• From birth to 12 months old, daily turnout should take place with at least one other horse
• Horses should be given the opportunity to move freely outdoors on a daily basis

• Ensure horses receive sufficient daily exercise
• Keeping or using horses in a paddock qualifies as exercise
• Horses in use must receive a minimum of two hours of paddock exercise at least 2 days per week
• Horses not in use must receive a minimum of 2 hours of outdoor access every day
• In extreme weather and ground conditions, daily movement may be provided in a covered space
• Outdoor access may be suspended for a maximum of up to 4 weeks if:
  • A horse is new to a stable
  • Weather and ground conditions are extreme between 01 November and 30 April
  • During military service
  • On tours for show and sporting purposes
• Suspending access is only permitted if horses are used daily during the suspension
• Outdoor access must be entered in a log book
• Lying areas and paddocks adjoining the stable should be accessible through at least one wide entrance or two narrower entrances
• Paddock area requirements per horse depend on setup and horse size
• For paddocks permanently accessible from the stable, the minimum allowable area per horse is:
  • Horse height < 11.3 hh: 12 m² / 129.2 ft²
  • Horse height 11.3 – 13.1 hh: 14 m² / 150.7 ft²
  • Horse height 13.1 – 14.2 hh: 16 m² / 172.2 ft²
  • Horse height 14.2 – 16 hh: 20 m² / 215.3 ft²
  • Horse height >16 hh: 24 m² / 258.3 ft²
• For paddocks not adjacent to the stable, the minimum allowable area per horse is:
  • Horse height < 11.3 hh: 18 m² / 193.8 ft²
  • Horse height 11.3 – 13.1 hh: 21 m² / 226.0 ft²
  • Horse height 13.1 – 14.2 hh: 24 m² / 258.3 ft²
  • Horse height 14.2 – 16 hh: 30 m² / 322.9 ft²
  • Horse height >16 hh: 36 m² / 387.5 ft²

In harmonious groups of 5 or more horses, paddock minimum space allowance may be reduced by up to 20%.

Recommendations: ^[18]

• The recommended amount of paddock space per horse regardless of height is 150 m² / 1,614.6 ft²
• In cases of loose box housing systems with permanently accessible paddocks and over 5 horses, an additional 75 m² of space is recommended for each additional horse past 5

• Ensure horse pasture meets requirements based on grass type, ground conditions, and management practices
• If pasture is being used as a primary feed source without supplementary feed, ensure each horse has 0.5 – 1.0 hectares (1.3 – 2.5 acres) of quality grazing; donkeys need 0.2 – 0.4 hectares (0.5 – 1.0 acres)
• If stabling or a yard are unavailable, ensure a safely enclosed hard-standing area for routine and emergency treatments
• Implement effective pasture management, ensuring tasks like picking up droppings and rotational grazing areas are carried out
• When possible, remove horses from pasture during wet conditions to prevent overgrazing, poaching, and health issues like mud fever
• Provide adequately sized, well-drained areas in muddy pastures for horses to stand, lie down, and eat
• Ensure fields are free of dangerous objects and poisonous plants
• Horses who live in stalls should receive daily turnout in a field, allowing them to graze and socialize with other horses

• Horses kept in the same primary enclosure must be compatible. Horses should not be kept near any horses that may interfere with their health or cause them discomfort

• Each horse should have 1 – 1.5 acres of good grazing if no supplementary feeding is provided
• Donkeys and horses may require less pasture when grazing is abundant to prevent detrimental effects of overgrazing
• A pasture management program should be implemented to avoid overgrazing, aid worm control, maintain good drainage and control weeds. For example, regularly picking up droppings and implementing rotational grazing
• Horses must have a comfortable, well-drained area to stand, lie down, eat and drink
• Ensure fields are free of dangerous objects and poisonous plants
• Grass cuttings and hedge clippings are not suitable for consumption
• For donkeys, 0.5 acres of suitable grazing and/or turnout land is recommended
• When possible, remove horses from pasture during wet conditions to prevent overgrazing, poaching, and health issues like mud fever
• Horses who live in stalls should receive a daily period of free exercise either via turnout or in an arena

• Unload horses promptly upon arrival, providing food and water and a comfortable resting area

• Horses must be given water on arrival to destination

• Following transport, horses should be unloaded, fed, watered and rested for a minimum of 24 hours

• No specific practices listed as prohibited

• Tail docking (for cosmetic purposes)

• Pony rides (or any type of horseback riding for the public) is prohibited if horses are attached to a rotating device depriving the animal of free movement

• It is prohibited to use doping substances that cause significant pain, suffering or injury, or may affect the animal’s performance on an animal during training or competition
• It is prohibited to train an animal using methods that inflict significant pain, suffering or harm
• It is prohibited to demand performance from an animal that is clearly unable to perform such tasks, or who has undergone procedures to mask a physical condition that would otherwise impair their performance

Recommendations: ^[5]

• Tail docking (for cosmetic purposes)
• Removal of tactile hairs (whiskers) or protective hairs (inner ear hair)
• Permanent tethering of horses in tie-stalls is contrary to animal welfare and should be avoided

• Tail docking (for cosmetic purposes)

• Electrical devices
• Hobbling
• Sensory whiskers around the muzzle and eyes are not to be removed or cut

• Tail docking (for cosmetic purposes)
• Removal of tactile hairs (whiskers)
• Poling or rapping
• Hyperflexion of the neck (rollkur)
• Competing horses with desensitized limbs or nerves (neurectomy, nerve blocks or injury)
• Electrical aids or training devices
• Soring
• Tongue tying
• Trimming unnatural hoof positions, using harmful horseshoes or fitting weights in the hoof area
• The use of bridles with toothed, cutting, pinching or hard components such as nosebands and cavessons with metal components that lie unpadded on the bridge of the nose
• The use of sharp-edged bits, such as wire or chain bits

• Tail docking (for cosmetic purposes)
• Tail nicking (for cosmetic purposes)

• Soring, including showing, exhibiting, selling or transporting a sored horse

• Horses in stables, yards and paddocks must have sufficient protection from the sun, wind, rain and temperature extremes
• Shelter may be provided by shady trees, roofing, windbreaks or rugs/blankets

• Horses must have access to suitable and adequate shelter at all times
• Shed flooring should permit adequate drainage and provide firm footing for horses

Recommendations: ^[2]

• Sheds must offer security and reduce risk of injury and disease
• Adequate rows of trees, hedges and gullies may act as shelter for horses
• Efforts should be made to reduce the impact of extreme weather conditions, whether cold or hot

• Shelter areas must provide protection from weather and wind

In a shelter, flooring areas must meet group housing floor space requirements:

• For the first four horses, there must be (2 x height at the withers)² space per horse
• For each additional horse, there must be (1.7 x height at the withers)² space per horse

• It is forbidden to keep horses outside when there is a lack of fixtures to prevent suffering from weather conditions

• Shelter should accommodate all horses simultaneously
• Shelter is necessary regardless of breed when horses are kept on pasture throughout the year or for an extended period
• Shelters may be natural or artificial
• If using natural forms of shelter, protection against the prevailing direction of wind must be guaranteed
• For larger groups, several small shelters are preferable to one large shelter

• In paddocks, shelter from extreme weather must be provided by man-made shelters or a thicket of trees/shrubs

• Horses must have access to shelter to minimize health risks from cold or wet conditions
• Horses must have means to minimize effects of heat stress

Recommendation: ^[7]

• Provide permanent shelter access for all donkeys

• Shelters may be natural or man-made, depending on the needs of the breed and the environment (wind, heat, flies, etc.)
• Clipped, young, senior or less rugged breeds of horses may require stable accommodation or other shelter to shield from extreme weather
• Donkeys require shelter from rain as their coats are not waterproof
• Horses may require immediate shelter if sick or injured; emergency stabling preparation should be made in advance

• Shelters may be natural or man-made, depending on the needs of the breed and the environment (wind, heat, flies, etc.)
• Clipped, young, senior or less rugged breeds of horses may require stable accommodation or other shelter to shield from extreme weather
• Donkeys require shelter from rain as their coats are not waterproof
• Animals should not be exposed to excessive heat from the sun, heavy rain, snow or hail, or strong winds beyond a short period
• At minimum, shelter should provide shade from the sun and cover from severe wind. During extensive rain, a well-drained area must be available

• When the daily average temperature is below 5°C and horses spend more than 16 hours outside, horses must have access to shelter
• Shelter must protect the horse from weather and wind, and remain dry and clean so they can lie down
• All horses in a group must be able to access the shelter at the same time

• Shelters may be natural or man-made
• Not all breeds need stables or housing
• Native breeds can thrive outdoors with shelter from wind, sun and flies
• Less hardy breeds, clipped, young or elderly horses may need stable accommodation or shelter
• Outdoor living in social groups should be considered
• Horses may require immediate shelter if sick or injured; emergency stabling preparation should be made in advance
• Donkeys need roofed shelters with solid walls and clean, dry areas to stand
• Animals should not be exposed to excessive heat from the sun, heavy rain, snow or hail, or strong winds beyond a short period
• At minimum, shelter should provide shade from the sun and cover from severe wind. During extensive rain, a well-drained area must be available.

• Shelters may be natural or man-made, depending on the needs of the breed and the environment (wind, heat, flies, etc.)
• Clipped, young, senior or less rugged breeds of horses may require stable accommodation or other shelter to shield themselves from extreme weather
• Donkeys require shelter from rain as their coats are not waterproof
• Animals should not be exposed to excessive heat from the sun, heavy rain, snow or hail, or strong winds beyond a short period
• At minimum, shelter should provide shade from the sun and cover from severe wind. During extensive rain, a well-drained area must be available.

• Horses must be provided natural or artificial shade if sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort
• Natural or artificial shelter should be sufficient to afford horses protection from inclement weather

• Horses must not be kept in cramped, overcrowded condition

Recommendation: ^[2]

• Each horse should have their own stall, if housed in loose boxes
• It is acceptable to keep two weanlings in one loose box stall together during weaning

• It is forbidden to keep horses in an environment that is too small or unsuitable, where weather conditions are not considered, where equipment or materials are unsuitable or there is potential to cause suffering, injury or accidents

• Box stall: Horses must have a minimum area of (2 x height at withers)²

• Horses must have sufficient space to turn around freely and lift their head, access feed and water equipment, lie down undisturbed and create desired social space away from other horses

Recommendation: ^[6][49]

• In a stall, horses should have a minimum area of (2 x height at withers)²
• For new builds, a minimum recommended floor area per stall is 12 m²

• Ensure confined horses have sufficient space to lie down, rise, and turn comfortably
• Allow horses to lie down comfortably each day for a sufficient time to meet behavioral needs

Recommendations: ^[7]

• Loose boxes (stalls) should be sized for safe rolling behavior
• Stalls should provide ample space for leading and turning to reduce injury risks

• Ensure each horse has enough space to comfortably lie down, stand up and turn around
• Foaling boxes (stalls) should provide additional room for mare and foal
• Passageways should be wide enough to safely lead horses past each other

• Ensure each horse has enough space to comfortably lie down, stand up and turn around

• Provide enough space for each horse to move comfortably

• Loose boxes (stalls), barns and stables should accommodate varying sizes of horses and ponies
• At minimum, each horse must have enough space to lie down, rise and turn around comfortably
• Foaling boxes (stalls) should provide additional room for mare and foal
• Passageways should be wide enough to safely lead horses past each other

• Ensure each horse has enough space to comfortably lie down, stand up and turn around

• Horses should have sufficient space to make postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement
• Insufficient space may be identified through signs of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress or abnormal behavior patterns (stereotypies)

• (2 x mare’s withers measurement)²
• The shortest side of the box must be at least (1.7 x mare’s height at the wither)
• If mare and foal are housed in stalls after foaling, they must remain in a box this size or larger until weaning, or for a maximum of 6 months

• (2.3 x height at withers)²

• 14.7 x 9.8 ft = ~145 ft² (4.5 x 3.0 m = 13.5 m²)
• By 2027, a mandatory minimum size of ~130 ft² (12 m²) is required, except if free exercise is provided for more than 8 hours daily

• 2 x normal stall

• 14 ft x 14 ft = 196 ft² (4.25 m x 4.25 m = 18.06 m²)

• Horse height < 8.2 hh
  • Minimum area: 3.5 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 1.6 m
• Horse height 8.2 – 10.2 hh
  • Minimum area: 4.5 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 1.9 m
• Horse height 10.3 – 12.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 6.5 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.3 m
• Horse height 13.0 – 13.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 7.5 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.5 m
• Horse height 14.0 – 14.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 8.5 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.6 m
• Horse height 15.0 – 15.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 10 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.8 m
• Horse height 16.0 – 16.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 11 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 3.0 m
• Horse height 17.0 – 17.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 13 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 3.2 m
• Horse height 18.0 – 18.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 14 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 3.4 m
• Horse height > 19.0 hh
  • Minimum area: 16 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 3.7 m

If foaling takes place somewhere other than a foaling stall, the mare must have sufficient space and opportunity to move away from other horses

• Horse must be able to lie down, stand up and turn around comfortably
• The following space requirements apply for both foaling boxes, stalls, and stalls housing mares with foals over two months

• Horse height < 11.3 hh
  • 8.8 ft × 8.8 ft = 77 ft²
  • 2.7 m × 2.7 m = 7.15 m²

• Horse height 11.3 – 13.1 hh
  • 9.9 ft × 9.9 ft = 98 ft²
  • 3.0 m × 3.0 m = 9.1 m²

• Horse height 13.1 – 14.2 hh
  • 10.6 ft × 10.6 ft = 112 ft²
  • 3.2 m × 3.2 m = 10.4 m²

• Horse height 14.2 – 16 hh
  • 11.2 ft × 11.2 ft = 126 ft²
  • 3.4 m × 3.4 m = 11.7 m²

• Horse height 16 – 17.1 hh
  • 12.1 ft × 12.1 ft = 147 ft²
  • 3.7 m × 3.7 m = 13.65 m²

• Horse height > 17.1 hh
  • 13.0 ft × 13.0 ft = 168 ft²
  • 4.0 m × 4.0 m = 15.6 m²

Dimensions are approximate, based on a square stall with equal sides

• Horse must be able to lie down, stand up and turn around comfortably
• 14 ft x 14 ft = 196 ft² (4.25 m x 4.25 m = 18.06 m²)

• 14 ft x 14 ft = 196 ft² (4.27 m x 4.27 m = 18.23 m²)

• Stables should have a floor area of at least 12 m² (129 ft²) per horse, or 9 m² (97 ft²) per pony under 12 hh (122 cm)

• Horse must be able to lie down, stand up, walk forward and turn around comfortably
• Stalls must have a floor area of 12 square meters (9 square meters for ponies)

• Horse must be able to lie down, stand up, walk forward and turn around comfortably

Recommendation:

• (2 to 2.5 x height at withers)²

• (1.7 x withers height)²
• The floor area must be (1.7 x horse’s height at the withers)²
• The shortest side must be at least (1.7 x horse’s height at the withers)
• In group housing environments:
  • For the first four horses, there must be (2 x height at the withers)² space per horse
  • For each additional horse, there must be (1.7 x height at the withers)² space per horse

• Horse must be able to lie down, stand up, walk forward and turn around comfortably

• (2 x height at withers)²

• 9.8 ft x 9.8 ft = ~96 ft² (3 m x 3 m = 9 m²) OR (2 x height at withers)²
• By 2027:
  • The minimum box size for horses is 10 m², and for ponies narrower than 1.56 meters, it is (2 x height at the withers)²
  • Unless free exercise is provided for more than 8 hours per day

• Minimum recommended stable sizes are as follows:
• Horse/Pony height < 13.2 hh, or donkeys
  • 10.0 ft × 10.0 ft = 100 ft²
  • 3.05 m × 3.05 m = 9.30 m²
• Horse/Pony height 13.2 hh – 14.2 hh, or large donkeys
  • 10.0 ft × 12.0 ft = 120 ft²
  • 3.05 m × 3.65 m = 11.13 m²
• Horse height 14.2 – 17 hh, or mules
  • 12.0 ft × 12.0 ft = 144 ft²
  • 3.65 m × 3.65 m = 13.32 m²
• Horse height > 17 hh
  • 12.0 ft × 14.0 ft = 168 ft²
  • 3.65 m × 4.25 m = 15.51 m²

Dimensions are approximate, based on a square stall with equal sides

• Minimum recommended stable sizes are as follows:
• Horse/Pony height < 13.2 hh
  • 10.0 ft × 10.0 ft = 100 ft²
  • 3.05 m × 3.05 m = 9.30 m²
• Horse/Pony height 13.2 hh – 14.2 hh
  • 10.0 ft × 12.0 ft = 120 ft²
  • 3.05 m × 3.65 m = 11.13 m²
• Horse height 14.2 – 17 hh
  • 12.0 ft × 12.0 ft = 144 ft²
  • 3.65 m × 3.65 m = 13.32 m²
• Horse height > 17 hh
  • 12.0 ft × 14.0 ft = 168 ft²
  • 3.65 m × 4.25 m = 15.51 m²

Dimensions are approximate, based on a square stall with equal sides

• Horse height < 8.2 hh
  • Minimum area: 3 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 1.5 m
• Horse height 8.2 – 10.2 hh
  • Minimum area: 4 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 1.6 m
• Horse height 10.3 – 12.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 5 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 1.9 m
• Horse height 13.0 – 13.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 6 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.1 m
• Horse height 14.0 – 14.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 7 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.2 m
• Horse height 15.0 – 15.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 8 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.35 m
• Horse height 16.0 – 16.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 9 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.5 m
• Horse height 17.0 – 17.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 10 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.7 m
• Horse height 18.0 – 18.3 hh
  • Minimum area: 11 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 2.8 m
• Horse height > 19.0 hh
  • Minimum area: 13 m²
  • Minimum length of shortest stall side: 3.0 m
• If a horse will spend 5 or fewer days in a stall, it is permissible for the stall to meet 85% of the allowable requirement
• For young horses 12-24 months, an area of at least 75% of what is required for their expected adult size is acceptable
• For horses under 12 months, an area of at least 50% of expected adult size is acceptable

• Horse must be able to lie down, stand up and turn around comfortably
• Space requirements per horse are equal for both individual stalls or one-room indoor group housing systems

• Horse height < 11.3 hh
  • 7.7 ft × 7.7 ft = 59 ft²
  • 2.3 m × 2.3 m = 5.5 m²

• Horse height 11.3 – 13.1 hh
  • 8.7 ft × 8.7 ft = 75 ft²
  • 2.6 m × 2.6 m = 7 m²

• Horse height 13.1 – 14.2 hh
  • 9.3 ft × 9.3 ft = 86.1 ft²
  • 2.8 m × 2.8 m = 8 m²

• Horse height 14.2 – 16 hh
  • 9.8 ft × 9.8 ft = 96 ft²
  • 3.0 m × 3.0 m = 9 m²

• Horse height 16 – 17.1 hh
  • 10.6 ft × 10.6 ft = 113 ft²
  • 3.2 m × 3.2 m = 10.5 m²

• Horse height > 17.1 hh
  • 11.4 ft × 11.4 ft = 129 ft²
  • 3.5 m × 3.5 m = 12 m²

  In multiple-room indoor group housing systems, lying area requirements per horse are as follows:

  • Horse height < 11.3 hh
    • 2 m² / 21.5 ft²
  • Horse height 11.3 – 13.1 hh
    • 4.5 m² / 48.4 ft²
  • Horse height 13.1 – 14.2 hh
    • 5.5 m² / 59.2 ft²
  • Horse height 14.2 – 16 hh
    • 6 m² / 64.6 ft²
  • Horse height 16 – 17.1 hh
    • 7.5 m² / 80.7 ft²
  • Horse height > 17.1 hh
    • 8 m² / 86.1 ft²

Dimensions are approximate, based on a square stall with equal sides

• Minimum recommended stable sizes are as follows:
• Horse/Pony height < 13.2 hh, or donkeys
  • 10.0 ft × 10.0 ft = 100 ft²
  • 3.05 m × 3.05 m = 9.30 m²
• Horse/Pony height 13.2 hh – 14.2 hh, or large donkeys
  • 10.0 ft × 12.0 ft = 120 ft²
  • 3.05 m × 3.65 m = 11.13 m²
• Horse height 14.2 – 17 hh, or mules
  • 12.0 ft × 12.0 ft = 144 ft²
  • 3.65 m × 3.65 m = 13.32 m²
• Horse height > 17 hh
  • 12.0 ft × 14.0 ft = 168 ft²
  • 3.65 m × 4.25 m = 15.51 m²
• Average sized donkeys kept in pairs
  • 9 m² of covered space
  • Larger donkeys and mules may require additional space equivalent to similar-sized horses or ponies

Dimensions are approximate, based on a square stall with equal sides

Dimensions are approximate, based on a square stall with equal sides

• Stables should be at least 2.5m (8.2 ft) high

• Greater than 7.8 ft (2.4 m)

• Withers height + 3.3 ft (1 m)

• 2 – 3.3 ft (0.6 – 1 m)
• Above the ears in normal standing position
• Ideal clearance should exceed 1 m

• Horse’s withers measurement + 2.4 ft (+ 0.75 m) OR 8.5 ft (2.6 m) above bedding for horses 185 cm (18.1 hh) and above
• Ceiling height may be lower (due to rafters or exposed beams) in up to 15% of the horse’s minimum allowed floor area, provided the horse can still behave naturally and is not at risk of injury as a result
• For stables with sloped roofs, ceiling height may be lower in up to 30% of the horse’s minimum allowed floor area provided there are no rafters or exposed beams, and that the sloping roof does not interfere with natural behavior or risk injury to the horse
• Beyond these two exceptional cases, ceiling height may not be lower than 2.1 m (6.9 ft) above bedding at any point

• Horse must have sufficient space above head for all normal head and neck movement

• The lowest point of the ceiling should be at least as high as the horse’s withers + 1 m

• Horses should have 1m or more of space above their head when maintaining a normal head position

• There should be at least 2 – 3 ft (0.6 – 0.9 m) between the roof and the top of the withers when the horse is standing normally

• 2 – 3 ft (0.6 – 0.9 m) above the ears in normal standing position

• Minimum ceiling height = 1.5 x height at withers

• Horse must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably

• Horse height < 11.3 hh
  • Stall height: 5.9 ft / 1.8 m

• Horse height 11.3 – 13.1 hh
  • Stall height: 6.2 ft / 1.9 m

• Horse height 13.1 – 14.2 hh
  • Stall height: 6.9 ft / 2.1 m

• Horse height 14.2 – 16 hh
  • Stall height: 7.5 ft / 2.3 m

• Horse height > 16 hh
  • Stall height: 8.2 ft / 2.5 m

• 2 – 3 ft (0.6 – 0.9 m) above the ears in normal standing position

• Above the ears in normal standing position, ~ 2- 3 ft (0.6 – 0.9 m)

• When possible horses should be transported in the shortest time possible, penned separately, and fitted with halters secured using a quick release knot
• Trailers should be designed to minimize injury with non-slip floors, adequate ventilation (minimum 12 air changes per hour required if vehicle is fully enclosed) and designed to protect horses against extremes of temperature
• Horses over 6 months old who are kept off water for 24 hours during transport must be rested for at least 12 hours before continuing.
• Lactating mares, foals under 6 months old and mares between 7.5 – 10 months of pregnancy may only be kept off water for 12 hours of transport before a 12-hour rest period is required
• Journeys may go up to 36 hours provided suitably fit horses are given water and feed every 5 hours, have protection from the natural elements, have sufficient space to stand comfortable and the floor has appropriate drainage
• If a horse travels for 36 hours, they must receive 24 hours of rest before they can be transported again
• If foals are transported with their dam for more than 5 hours, there must be space on the vehicle for the foal to suckle and lie down
• Electric prods or dogs may not be used to move horses at any point
• Unhandled stallions must be separated from other horses
• If transporting horses across the Bass Strait, horses must be individually stalled except for mares and foals, who must be stalled together

Recommendations: ^[25]

• Adult horses must be fed and watered at floor level every 5 hours during transport and immediately after unloading. Feed and water should be of sufficient quantity and quality to minimize colic risk
• Transport stalls for horses over 15 hh (152 cm) should be at least 70 cm wide and 235 cm long
• Walls should be padded or suitably constructed from 75 cm above the floor to at least the height of the horse’s back to prevent injury
• Hind shoes should be removed if transporting groups in vehicles without partitions
• Unbroken horses should be given basic handling training before transport
• Horses should be unloaded during water and rest stops to allow for exercise
• Stocking density recommendations in transport:
  • Adult horses: 1.2 m²
  • Horses 18 – 24 months: 1.0 m²
  • Horses 12 – 18 months: 0.9 m²
  • Horses 5 – 12 months: 0.7 m²
  • Mares with foals at foot should be given extra space for foals to suckle and lie down

• Horses over 6 months old who are kept off water for 24 hours during transport must be rested for at least 12 hours before continuing.
• Lactating mares, foals under 6 months old and mares between 7.5-10 months of pregnancy may only be kept off water for 12 hours of transport before a 12-hour rest period is required
• Journeys may go up to 36 hours provided suitably fit horses are given water and feed every 5 hours, have protection from the natural elements, have sufficient space to stand comfortable and the floor has appropriate drainage
• If a horse travels for 36 hours, they must receive 24 hours of rest before they can be transported again
• If foals are transported with their dam for more than 5 hours, there must be space on the vehicle for the foal to suckle and lie down
• Electric prods or dogs may not be used to move horses at any point
• Unhandled stallions must be separated from other horses
• If transporting horses across the Bass Strait, horses must be individually stalled except for mares and foals, who must be stalled together

Recommendations: ^[25]

• Adult horses must be fed and watered at floor level every 5 hours during transport and immediately after unloading. Feed and water should be of sufficient quantity and quality to minimize colic risk
• Transport stalls for horses over 15 hh (152 cm) should be at least 70 cm wide and 235 cm long
• Walls should be padded or suitably constructed from 75cm above the floor to at least the height of the horse’s back to prevent injury
• Hind shoes should be removed if transporting groups in vehicles without partitions
• Unbroken horses should be given basic handling training before transport
• Horses should be unloaded during water and rest stops to allow for exercise
• Stocking density recommendations in transport:
  • Adult horses: 1.2 m²
  • Horses 18 – 24 months: 1.0 m²
  • Horses 12 – 18 months: 0.9 m²
  • Horses 5 – 12 months: 0.7 m²
• Mares with foals at foot should be given extra space for foals to suckle and lie down

• Consider trip-specific factors like anticipated duration and weather conditions
• Employ suitable vehicles with adequate ventilation, non-slip footing, appropriate bedding, and weather protection
• Feed and water within four hours before loading if the expected duration without access to feed or water exceeds 24 hours
• Horses must not be without access to feed, water or rest for more than 28 hours during transit
• Horses must be rested for a minimum of 8 hours after a 28-hour journey before continuing transport
• Avoid overcrowding
• Horses cannot be transported on double decker vehicles
• Ensure horses have space to stand with all feet on the floor, an elevated head, and full head movement

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Unweaned foals may only be transported for a maximum of 18 hours – after 9 hours, they must be given a minimum rest of one hour to feed and be watered
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Unweaned foals may only be transported for a maximum of 18 hours – after 9 hours, they must be given a minimum of hour long rest to feed and be watered
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months), journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months), journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Horses require attentive care from personnel with appropriate ability, possessing skills, knowledge and competence to ensure well-being
• Have contingency plan, and complete all necessary documentation prior to travel
• Plan transport to minimize risk of injury, fatigue or health issues
• Ensure horses are adequately prepared for transport, including provision of appropriate food and water based on species, age, condition, and journey conditions
• Familiarize horses with the feed and water methods before journeys involving feeding and watering to prevent pain, injury, or distress

Recommendations: ^[30]

• Transport horses for shortest possible time
• Young animals should not travel more than 12 hours

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Unweaned foals may only be transported for a maximum of 18 hours – after 9 hours, they must be given a minimum of hour long rest to feed and be watered
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Unweaned foals may only be transported for a maximum of 18 hours – after 9 hours, they must be given a minimum of hour long rest to feed and be watered
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Ensure the ability to care for animals during transport
• Use partitions if needed for animal protection
• Provide good ventilation, temperature regulation, and protection against damage during transport
• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Space requirements per horse within the trailer depend on age and size:
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for less than 48 hours of transport – 1.2 m² (0.6 x 2 m)
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for more than 48 hours of transport – 2.4 m² (1.2 x 2 m)
  • Ponies – 1 m² (0.6 x 1.8 m)
  • Foals (0 – 6 months) – 1.4m² (1 x 1.4 m)
  • Adult horses – 1.75m² (0.7 x 2.5 m)

Transport over 50 km:

• Regular checkups every two hours are required during transport
• The floor must be non-slip, smooth, and have suitable bedding
• Adequate provisions for horse rescue in case of emergencies must be in place
• Transporting horses under 24 months old for over 8 hours requires space for lying down with partitions sealed to the floor for protection
• Partitions should be available to prevent injuries or falls, as necessary
• Tying adult horses during transport should ensure they can’t lie down or injure themselves
• Uncastrated adult stallions must be transported separately from mares

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Unweaned foals may only be transported for a maximum of 18 hours – after 9 hours, they must be given a minimum of hour long rest to feed and be watered
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

Requirements: ^[12]

• Horses should be given food and water at regular intervals during transport
• Careful considerations to ensure safety of mare and foal if they are travelling together
• Vehicles used for any duration of transport must be safe with suitable flooring
• Horses should wear shipping boots/bandages and tail wraps when travelling unless advised not to by a vet

• When traveling interstate, horses may have to meet specific requirements, such as proof of negative EIA (equine infectious anemia) testing, etc.
• Trailers should be designed to protect the health, safety and comfort of horses at all times.
• Socially bonded animals must be allowed visual and olfactory (nose to nose) contact during transport
• Horses should be offered water within 4 hours of the beginning of a commercial transport trip, and at least every 12 hours once transport begins
• Horses should be fed at least once every 24 hours during transport
• Animals must be visually assessed for any signs of distress at least once every 4 hours during transport

• Make arrangements to minimize transit time as much as possible
• Sufficient floor area should be provided based on the size of the animal
• Unweaned foals may only be transported for a maximum of 18 hours – after 9 hours, they must be given a minimum of hour long rest to feed and be watered
• Horses over 8 months should be transported with a halter unless they are unbroken
• If tied, horses should still be able to lie down, eat and drink. Knots should be strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions, but easily undone in an emergency. There should not be enough slack in the rope to risk strangulation
• Horses may not be transported in double decker trailers unless solely using the lowest compartment with no animals on the upper deck
• The minimum height of a trailer compartment should be at least 75 cm higher than the withers of the tallest horse
• Unbroken horses should not be transported in groups of more than 4
• Horses may be transported for a maximum of 24 hours, but food and water must be provided every 8 hours
• Following a journey, horses must be unloaded, fed, watered and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before transport can resume
• On journeys over 8 hours, horses should be transported in individual stalls except for mares and foals, who may be transported together
• Unbroken horses or horses younger than 4 months should not undergo journeys longer than 8 hours
• During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
• Minimum space allowances for horses:
  • Adult horses: 1.75 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys up to 48 hours: 1.2 m²
  • Young horses (6 – 24 months) for journeys over 48 hours: 2.4 m²
  • Ponies (under 144 cm): 1 m²
  • Foals (0 – 6 months): 1.4 m²

Space allowances may vary by up to 10% for adult horses and ponies and up to 20% for young horses and foals depending on individual size, weight, physical condition, journey length and weather conditions.

• Water should be provided away from noise or pollution that may cause horses injury or stress
• Horses need approximately 25 – 45 L (6 – 12 gal) of water per day in hot weather
• Mares need extra water when pregnant or lactating
• Water troughs should be easily accessible to horses, firmly fixed, non-toxic, easily cleaned and cleaned often.
• Automatic and manual watering systems must both be checked daily
• Horses who work during the day should be given water at regular intervals while resting
• On treks, horses must be given enough time to drink from natural water sources

• Horses must have continuous access to ample supply of high-quality water (transportation exceptions exist)
• Ensure horses have access to abundant fresh water
• Use water containers designed to prevent injury
• If adequate water provision for health cannot be met, consider relocating, selling or euthanizing horses

Recommendations: ^[2]

• Inspect water containers and mechanical watering sources (such as automatic drinking posts) daily for normal functioning
• Inspect water buckets every 12 hours to ensure horse has free access to quality water
• Secure non-spillable water containers
• Ensure dams have safe access and are free of contaminants
• Monitor dam levels and quality closely during rainfall
• Water volume needs for horses vary on age, body weight, environmental conditions, work level, health and diet
• The water requirements for a horse at maintenance are approximately 52 mL/kg of bodyweight per day
• For horses in intensive stabling systems, water should be provided at least twice a day
• Horses need 2 – 4L of water per kg of dry matter intake of food, and this number can increase as air temperatures or humidity rise
• Stale or contaminated water should be removed daily

• Horses require access to safe, palatable and clean water for health and vigor
• Ensure an adequate quantity of water is available to meet their needs
• Special attention is required in extreme weather conditions (cold or hot) to maintain water availability, access, and intake
• Regularly clean and maintain water troughs, containers, and automatic watering devices
• Ensure all equipment is in working order with no sharp or abrasive edges to prevent injury

Recommendations: ^[1]

• Construct and position water troughs and buckets to prevent contamination and freezing
• Check automatic watering systems daily to ensure proper water dispensing
• Regularly check for stray voltage from water sources, such as electric fence ground rods and heaters, to avoid administering electric shocks to drinking horse
• Offer tepid water in cold temperatures to encourage intake (may be heated up to 20°C)
• Test water quality at least annually unless it comes from a previously tested, human-safe water supply

Daily Water Requirements ^[1]

• Maintenance in moderate environment: 5 L (1.32 gal) per 100 kg (220 lb) body weight

• Horse must have free access to fresh drinking water
• Does not apply for paddock turnout under 4 hours
• Watering equipment must be designed, manufactured, installed and maintained in a way that reduces risk of injury and water contamination as much as possible

• It is forbidden to withhold necessary water essential for the physiological needs of the horse, based on their development, adaptation or domestication
• Watering facilities must be designed and constructed to limit the risks of contamination and minimize negative effects of competition between animals

• Horses must have continuous access to water regardless of the housing system
• When continuous access is not possible, water should be provided at least three times daily until satiation
• This requirement applies even in cold weather, and snow cannot substitute for an adequate water supply
• Health and safety guidelines for feed apply to water
• Drinking devices must be kept clean and checked daily for contamination
• Automatic watering systems need an additional daily check for functionality

• Horse must be given sufficient water of appropriate quality

Recommendations: ^[6]

• Water troughs should be placed as chest heigh and as far away from the feeder as possible to prevent contamination

• Ensure all horses have access to a daily supply of palatable drinking water sufficient for their needs and not harmful to their health

Recommendations: ^[7]

• Design watering facilities to reduce fouling and wastage
• Clean troughs often to ensure water is available and uncontaminated

• Ensure all horses have unrestricted access to a clean water supply or provide it frequently throughout the day

Requirements: ^[9]

• Natural water sources like streams may require an alternative if contaminated
• During hot or icy weather, take extra care to maintain and ensure sufficient water supply
• Break ice during cold spells and provide additional water in hot weather
• After exercise, consider providing extra water
• Securely fix water troughs at a convenient height to accommodate animals of different sizes comfortably
• Horses should not be able to tip trough over
• Ensure there are no sharp edges, protruding corners, or exposed tapss
• Water troughs should be positioned so that animals cannot be trapped or cornered around them
• Water troughs should be cleaned regularly and checked often to ensure adequate water levels

• Drinking water must be good quality and hygienic
• Horses without free access to water must drink until satiated at least twice daily
• Drinking opportunities should be evenly distributed throughout the day

Recommendations: ^[10]

• If seawater is being used as a water source, it must not be frozen or too salty, and must be consistently available

• Horses must be regularly and sufficiently supplied with suitable water
• Ensure horses kept in groups receive sufficient water

• All horses must have continuous access to a clean supply of fresh water

Requirements: ^[8]

• Natural water sources like streams may not always be suitable due to potential contamination
• Maintain a sufficient water supply during extreme weather
• Water troughs and buckets must be fixed at a convenient height for horses of different sizes
• Prevent horses from pawing or dislodging the trough to reduce risk of injury
• Check troughs and buckets regularly to ensure water availability
• Regularly check automatic waters to ensure proper functioning
• Regularly clean water troughs and containers to prevent algae and debris buildup
• Horses require 25 – 50 L (7 – 14 gal) for an average adult horse daily or 5 – 10 L (2 – 4 gal) per 100 kg (220 lb) body weight

• If potable water is not accessible 24/7, it must be provided as often as necessary for the horse’s health and comfort
• Necessary frequency of watering may depend on the horse’s age, condition or size
• All water receptacles must be kept clean and sanitary

• Ensure all horses have unrestricted access to a clean water supply or provide it frequently throughout the day

Requirements: ^[13]

• If relying on natural sources like streams, ensure they are clean, easily accessible, and pose no risk to horses
• Exercise caution during extreme weather (hot or freezing) to maintain water supply
• Provide fresh water in buckets, troughs or automatic water bowls
• Refill at least twice a day and secure to prevent tipping
• Clean water troughs regularly and check them once a day to ensure horses have water
• The average daily water requirement for a horse is 20 – 40 L (5 – 10 gal), depending on body weight
• Stabled horses with a diet high in dry feed need more water
• Water troughs should be set where horses can drink from them comfortably, but cannot paw the water, dislodge the trough or knock it over
• Ensure there are no sharp edges, protruding corners, or exposed taps
• Water troughs should be positioned so that animals cannot be trapped or cornered around them
• Water troughs should be cleaned regularly and checked at least once per day (including automatic waterers) to ensure adequate water availability