Welfare, Biosecurity & Compliance
Equine welfare, biosecurity and compliance support
We help yards, studs and estates meet their legal and welfare duties with up-to-date records, sound biosecurity and practical health and safety procedures.
- Passport, microchip and health records
- Biosecurity and isolation plans
- Risk assessments and emergency plans
Overview
What are your legal and welfare responsibilities?
Anyone responsible for horses has a legal duty to meet their welfare needs. In England there are also rules on passports and microchips, health and safety duties if you employ staff and, for some businesses, licensing. Keeping track of it all alongside the daily workload is hard.
We start by looking at where you are now. We check your records and procedures, close any gaps and set up simple systems to keep everything current. When an insurer, inspector or vet asks a question, you will have the answer to hand.
We work with your vet on anything to do with horse health, and with your other advisers when legal or insurance questions come up.
At a glance
- Ideal for
- Every yard, stud and estate that keeps horses
- Engagement
- A compliance review or ongoing management
- Outcome
- Current, well-organised records and procedures
- Partners
- Works with your vet and advisers
What’s included
What our welfare & compliance service includes
Every property is different, so we agree the exact scope with you. These are the areas we usually cover.
Identification records
We check passport and microchip records, keep them organised and track changes of ownership.
Health records
Vaccinations, worming, dental and farrier visits are recorded, with reminders when they are due.
Biosecurity plans
We write isolation, new-arrival and outbreak procedures with your vet.
Risk assessments
We carry out yard, task and fire risk assessments and set practical controls.
Emergency planning
We prepare plans for fire, flooding, severe weather, injury and disease outbreaks.
Welfare standards
Routines follow the government Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and their Hybrids.
Who it’s for
Who needs compliance support?
- Livery yards and riding establishments
- Studs that take in visiting mares
- Estates preparing for an insurance renewal
- Businesses applying for a licence or approval
Results
What will be in place afterwards?
- Complete records that are easy to find
- Lower risk of disease and injury
- Clear procedures that staff can follow
- Readiness for inspections and audits
Getting started
How do we get started?
The first steps are the same for every service, and none of them commit you to anything.
A first conversation
We talk about your property, your horses and what you want to achieve, and answer your questions. There is no obligation.
A site visit
We look round the yard, land and buildings and go through your routines and records to see what is working and what is not.
A written proposal
You receive a clear proposal setting out what we recommend, how involved we would be, the timescales and the cost.
Management and reporting
We put the plan into action and send you regular reports in plain English, so you always know where things stand.
FAQs
Common questions about welfare & compliance
Can’t see your question? Try our main FAQ page or ask us directly.
Do all horses need a passport and microchip?
Yes. In England, all horses, ponies and donkeys must have a passport and be microchipped. We help you check that records are correct and keep them up to date, including changes of ownership.
What is equine biosecurity?
Biosecurity is the set of practical steps that stop infectious diseases entering and spreading around your yard. Examples include isolating new arrivals, taking temperatures, good hygiene and a clear plan for outbreaks. Our biosecurity guide explains more.
Can you help us prepare for an inspection?
Yes. We can carry out a practice review against the relevant requirements, point out any gaps and help you put them right before the inspection date.
Do we need a written risk assessment?
If you employ five or more people, the law requires you to write down the main findings of your risk assessment. Smaller yards still benefit from doing it, as it shows insurers and visitors that risks are being managed.
Related services
Services that work well alongside this one
Livery Yard Management
Help running a well-organised, profitable livery yard with clear systems and happy clients.
Learn more
Stud & Breeding Farm Management
Organised, welfare-led management for studs, breeders and young horses.
Learn more
Equine Business Consultancy
Business plans, yard reviews and practical advice for equestrian businesses.
Learn moreLet’s talk
Talk to us about welfare & compliance
Tell us about your property, your horses and what you would like to change. We will arrange a first conversation and send you a proposal, with no obligation.