New Scottish Welfare of Equids Guidance launches

On Tuesday 25^th August 2026, the Scottish Government launched new guidelines to help horse owners and keepers know what is expected of all horse owners across the country. However, the new Scottish Welfare of Equids Guidance also explains what owners can do beyond that to truly put the horse’s needs at the centre of their management decisions.

World Horse Welfare is proud to have been involved throughout the creation of this new guidance and our Field Officer John Burns says:

“The creation of these guidelines has been a fantastic collaborative effort right across the Scottish equine sector. It’s been great to see expert voices involved at all levels from the ground up, with the owner consultation revealing very strong support for this guidance.

“The guidelines set out what is expected of all owners but also explain what owners and keepers can do to truly give their horses a good life, taking a holistic, whole-horse approach and considering their mental as well as physical wellbeing. It’s key to take into account how horses experience the lives we provide for them and not just view decisions through a human lens.”

Feedback from horse owners and keepers across Scotland informed the development of the new guidance. Responses highlighted a number of key themes, including limited awareness of the old Scottish Codes of Practice amongst owners and professionals. Despite that limited awareness, there was strong support for updating the Codes and including mental wellbeing, social needs and quality of life alongside physical health.

Survey responses also revealed a demand for clarity around legal responsibilities, alongside clear, practical guidance that supports higher welfare standards. Our Head of Public Affairs, Kim Ayling, says:

“By developing this clear, accessible guidance, which draws on the latest expertise from leading vets, allied professionals and equine sector specialists, the Scottish Government is leading the way on supporting horse owners and keepers to know exactly what their responsibilities are – and how they can go above and beyond that, in line with the latest evidence on what makes a good life for a horse, as seen through the horse’s eyes.

“Following the launch of the new Scottish Welfare of Equids Guidance, we’d urge policymakers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to take note. Defra’s ‘Code of practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids’ was launched in 2013 and we’ve learned a huge amount since then about how horses learn, their needs and how they experience the environment around them.”

The new Scottish Equine Guidance Document can be viewed on the Scottish Government website.