How to Help (legally) Tethered Horses
It’s upsetting if you see horses tethered, often on roundabouts in England. Surprisingly, this is still legal, as long as the horses are not neglected or restricted beyond normal tethering. However, it does raise serious welfare concerns.
Tethering is when horses are tied to fixed points like ropes, to restrict their movements. It’s usually done (especially by people in travelling communities) to enable horses to safely graze, when they don’t have a secure fenced field, like most people who look after horses.
So in a nutshell, tethered horses are nearly always that way, due to the horse guardians not having the money to rent or buy secure fields with access to grass.
Obviously if the horses are suffering (like being tangled, injured or starving, call one or more of the following:
But if this is a case of not being able to do anything legally, then the obvious answer is to stay on friendly terms and if the people still wish to keep their horses, to find some secure fenced land nearby for their horses to graze on, and keep safe from traffic.
The other thing people with equine knowledge could do, is to give some friendly advice. Perhaps you have some more comfortable equipment you could donate, to make the areas safer and more comfortable for the horses?
Understanding Legal Tethering of Horses
In the UK, tethering horses is a legal but regulated practice. The law doesn’t strictly ban tethering, but it sets out rules to keep horses safe and healthy. Welfare codes from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 give clear guidance.
Legal tethering must meet these basic conditions:
- The tethered horse must have access to water and food.
- The tether should not cause injury or restrict movement painfully.
- The environment must be safe, without hazards like busy roads or sharp objects.
- The horse should not be left tethered for long periods, without proper breaks.
- The guardian must check the horse at least twice a day.
Some guardians tether horses for grazing, rest, or because there’s no proper fencing. A well-cared-for tethered horse may be in a much better state, than one left to wander in dangerous areas. Still, long-term tethering can cause both physical and mental stress.
Signs of Welfare Needs in Tethered Horses
Tethered horses can face unique risks. Some signs of poor welfare are easy to spot from a distance.
Look for these warning signs:
- Visible ribs or hip bones: Shows weight loss or malnutrition.
- Long, tangled mane or dirty coat: Signs of neglect.
- Limping, wounds, or sores: Tether may be too tight or unsafe.
- No access to water: Buckets tipped over or forgotten.
- Standing in thick mud or waste: Bad environment or poor management.
Do not cross fences or enter private land. Instead, observe from a safe distance and take clear, dated photos if possible. Write down details like the horse’s colour, size, location, and anything unusual. Stay calm; don’t jump to conclusions, but don’t ignore real signs of distress.
Support Welfare of Legally Tethered Horses
If you see a tethered horse in need, simple actions can help.
Here’s what you can do:
- Report your concerns: Contact your local council or RSPCA with your evidence. Clear reports speed up investigations.
- Speak kindly: If safe, try to talk with the guardian. Offer help or advice. Sometimes owners don’t know the rules or best practices.
- Provide water (with care): If a horse has no water, and you’re near public land, you may leave a bucket outside the fence. Never trespass.
- Monitor the horse’s welfare: Check back in a day or two, to see if the problem is fixed.
- Document everything: Keep records of when, where, and what you saw. This helps if authorities need details later.
But if this is a case of not being able to do anything legally, then the obvious answer is to stay on friendly terms and if the people still wish to keep their horses, to find some secure fenced land nearby for their horses to graze on, and keep safe from traffic.
The other thing people with equine knowledge could do, is to give some friendly advice. Perhaps you have some more comfortable equipment you could donate, to make the areas safer and more comfortable for the horses?
Effects of Tethering on Horses
Tethering horses sometimes is done in good faith, to keep them safe. But tethering can restrict movement that leads to sores and injuries, and of course it’s boring for horses.
Some may even get tangled up, and limited access to proper grazing and shelter can leave some horses hungry, dehydrated and affected by extreme weather.
Horses are also sociable herd animals, so tethering them stops them interacting with other horses, and this can lead to distressing psychological problems and depression.
What’s the Law on Tethered Horses?
Although tethering horses is not at present illegal per se, the UK Animal Welfare Act 2006 says that all people looking after animals, must ensure their basic needs:
- Proper food and water
- Proper shelter
- Proper exercise
- Protection from pain and suffering
So while the Act does not ‘ban’ tethering, it does make neglect or mistreatment illegal. Proving neglect is not easy (a bored distressed horse can’t show ‘symptoms’). But councils may be able to change these laws, to bring in more stringent practices.
For instance, some councils require licenses for people to tether animals, so they can check on welfare, and have numbers you can call for concern, and also won’t allow horses to be tethered near busy roads (where they also will get spooked).
Often if you see a tethered horse, when you return it may have been moved, as people tend to move them around for different grazing.
How to Help Tethered Horses Legally
If you do report a horse you’re concerned about to the above organisations, provide them with detailed information such as the horse’s location (before it moves on), location, condition and how long it’s been tethered.
You can’t trespass or move horses yourself legally, but you could try to take photos or videos if it helps build a case for horses you are concerned about.
The biggest helper as stated above, is to find people with land to donate, so that the people without secure land can either hand over horses voluntarily, or have nice secure land (hopefully with stables) for horses to enjoy.
Engage with local councils to bring in better practices, like helplines for concerned local people, and licenses to ensure tethered horses have better welfare. Perhaps write to your local councillors and MPS, and ask him or her to get involved.
