Keeping a horse in your back garden in the UK is something that many horse owners dream of. It can be a great way to keep your horse close to home, without having to worry about travel times, or the cost of hiring a livery yard. However, there are many factors to consider before making the decision to keep a horse in your back garden. This article will outline the legal requirements, the practicalities and the potential benefits of having a horse in your back garden in the UK.
Legal Requirements
Firstly, you must make sure that you are legally allowed to keep a horse in your garden. Depending on the type of property you live in, you may need to check with your local council to see if they will allow you to keep a horse in your garden. If you live in rented accommodation, then you should also check with your landlord to make sure they are happy for you to have a horse on the property.
Practical Considerations
Once you have established that you are allowed to keep a horse in your garden, there are a number of practical considerations to think about. Firstly, you need to make sure that your garden is large enough to accommodate a horse – the recommended minimum size for a horse’s enclosure is around 8m x 8m. You also need to make sure that your garden is securely fenced to keep your horse safe and contained.
You will also need to consider the type of housing that you will provide for your horse. Most horses will need a shelter from the rain and the wind, and you should also think about providing a safe and secure area for your horse to rest and sleep.
Feeding and Watering
You will also need to think about how you will feed and water your horse. You will need to provide a clean, safe source of water, such as a trough or bucket, and you will also need to make sure that your horse has access to a regular supply of hay or other suitable feed. You should also make sure that your horse has access to a mineral lick and salt block to maintain their health.
Health and Welfare
It is important to remember that keeping a horse in your back garden means that you are responsible for the health and welfare of your horse. You should make sure that you are familiar with the signs of common health problems, such as colic and laminitis, and you should also make sure that you are up to date with your horse’s vaccinations and worming treatments. You should also make sure that you are providing your horse with adequate exercise and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.
Exercising Your Horse
If you are keeping your horse in your back garden, then you will need to think about how you are going to provide them with adequate exercise. If your garden is large enough, then you may be able to let your horse out in the garden to graze and move around. You could also consider hiring a private riding school, or finding a friend who has a large field or paddock that you could use to exercise your horse in.
Looking After Your Horse in Winter
In the winter months, you will need to make sure that you are providing your horse with adequate shelter from the cold and wet weather. You should make sure that your horse has access to a warm, dry stable or shelter, and you should also consider providing extra bedding to keep your horse warm and comfortable.
Horse Owners Insurance
It is important to make sure that you have the right insurance for your horse. Most horse owners will need to take out third party liability insurance, which will cover the cost of any damage that your horse may cause to other people or property. You should also consider taking out mortality insurance, which will cover the cost of any vet bills if your horse becomes ill or injured.
The Benefits of Keeping a Horse in Your Back Garden
Despite the practical considerations, there are many benefits to keeping your horse in your back garden.
Convenience
One of the main benefits is convenience – having your horse close to home means that you can spend more time with them, and also means that you don’t need to worry about travel times or the cost of hiring a livery yard.
Bonding
Having your horse close to home also allows you to bond with your horse more easily, as you will be able to spend more time with them and get to know them better.
Cost Savings
Keeping your horse in your back garden can also be a great way to save money. You will not have to pay for livery yard fees, and you will also be able to save money on travel costs.
Peace of Mind
Finally, having your horse in your back garden can give you peace of mind, knowing that your horse is safe and secure in your own home.
Conclusion
Keeping a horse in your back garden in the UK can be a great way to keep your horse close to home and make the most of your time with them. However, there are many factors to consider before making the decision, such as legal requirements, practical considerations and health and welfare. You should also make sure that you have the right insurance and are providing your horse with adequate exercise and enrichment. Despite the practical considerations, there are many benefits to keeping your horse in your back garden, such as convenience, bonding and cost savings.