At Everything Horse, we are committed to promoting responsible horse ownership and ethical sales practices. These guidelines ensure that all horses and ponies advertised through our classifieds platform are treated with the highest standards of care and welfare.
Our Commitment to Equine Welfare
Every horse and pony deserves to find a suitable, caring home. By following these advertising and welfare guidelines, you help us maintain a trusted marketplace that prioritises the wellbeing of equines whilst connecting them with appropriate new owners.
Advertising Standards
Accurate and Honest Descriptions
All advertisements must provide truthful, accurate information about the horse or pony being sold. This includes:
- Correct age, height, breed, and gender
- Accurate description of temperament and behaviour
- Complete disclosure of any vices, behavioural issues, or quirks
- Honest assessment of the horse’s level of training and experience
- Full disclosure of any current or previous injuries, illnesses, or health conditions
- Accurate representation of the horse’s suitability for different riders or disciplines
Photography Requirements
Advertisements must include recent, clear photographs that accurately represent the horse or pony:
- Use recent images taken within the last three months
- Include multiple angles showing conformation and overall condition
- Avoid excessive filters or editing that misrepresent the animal
- Include photos of the horse both in-hand and under saddle where applicable
- Ensure images show the horse in good light and clean condition
Prohibited Content
The following are strictly prohibited in advertisements:
- Misleading or false information about the horse’s history, health, or capabilities
- Photographs of different horses presented as the advertised animal
- Offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language
- Contact details or prices hidden within images to avoid platform fees
- Advertisements for horses under six months of age being sold separately from their dam
- Promotion of horses for meat or slaughter purposes
Welfare Requirements
Minimum Care Standards
All horses and ponies advertised must meet these minimum welfare standards:
- Be in good health and appropriate body condition
- Have access to clean water, appropriate nutrition, and adequate shelter
- Receive regular farrier care with appropriately maintained feet
- Be up to date with worming, vaccinations, and dental care
- Show no signs of neglect, abuse, or inadequate care
- Be handled regularly and appropriately socialised
Health Documentation
Sellers should be prepared to provide:
- Passport and microchip details (legally required in the UK)
- Vaccination records
- Veterinary history and any relevant health certificates
- Details of current medications or ongoing treatments
- Recent farrier records
- Breeding documentation if applicable
Pre-Sale Veterinary Examinations
We strongly recommend that sellers:
- Allow prospective buyers to arrange pre-purchase veterinary examinations
- Provide honest disclosure of any known issues that may affect a vetting
- Make the horse available for examination at reasonable times
- Provide access to the horse’s complete veterinary history
Responsible Selling Practices
Matching Horses to Suitable Homes
Sellers have a responsibility to ensure horses are matched with appropriate new owners:
- Accurately describe the level of experience required to handle and ride the horse
- Be honest about the horse’s suitability for different disciplines or activities
- Ask potential buyers about their experience, facilities, and intended use
- Refuse sales where the match is clearly unsuitable
- Consider the horse’s long-term welfare over financial gain
Viewings and Trial Periods
Best practices for viewings include:
- Allow multiple viewings and the opportunity to ride or handle the horse
- Present the horse in clean, safe conditions
- Be transparent about the horse’s behaviour and any special requirements
- Consider offering a trial period on loan before finalising the sale
- Ensure adequate insurance is in place during trial periods
Sale Agreements
We recommend all sales include a written agreement covering:
- Full identification details of the horse including passport number
- Agreed purchase price and payment terms
- Any warranties or guarantees provided by the seller
- Conditions of sale including return policies if applicable
- Transfer of ownership documentation
- Details of what is included in the sale (tack, rugs, etc.)
Pricing Guidelines
Fair and Transparent Pricing
All advertisements must clearly state:
- The asking price in GBP
- Whether the price is negotiable or fixed
- What is included in the sale price
- Any additional costs the buyer should expect
Free to Good Home Advertisements
Whilst we understand some horses are rehomed without charge, sellers must:
- Thoroughly vet potential new owners
- Consider home checks before finalising the rehoming
- Use loan agreements with regular checks as an alternative
- Be aware that “free” horses may attract unsuitable homes
- Never advertise horses as “free to good home” if they have significant health or behavioural issues without full disclosure
Legal Requirements
UK Legal Obligations
All sellers must comply with UK law including:
- Providing a valid horse passport at the time of sale
- Completing the passport transfer section within 30 days
- Ensuring microchip details are current and match the passport
- Complying with the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Meeting Consumer Rights Act requirements if selling as a business
- Adhering to the Equine Identification Regulations
Seller Responsibilities Under Consumer Law
If you regularly buy and sell horses as a business, you must:
- Ensure horses are of satisfactory quality
- Ensure horses match their description
- Ensure horses are fit for purpose
- Provide clear information about your business status
- Honour consumer rights including potential returns
Red Flags for Buyers
We encourage buyers to be cautious of advertisements that:
- Lack detailed information or clear photographs
- Refuse to allow viewings or veterinary examinations
- Pressure quick sales without proper consideration
- Cannot provide passport or ownership documentation
- Significantly undervalue horses without clear explanation
- Show signs of poor care or welfare concerns
Reporting Concerns
How to Report Welfare Issues
If you have concerns about an advertisement or suspect welfare issues:
- Contact our moderation team immediately with details – Email: advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk
- Provide evidence including screenshots and advertisement references
- Report serious welfare concerns to the RSPCA (England & Wales), SSPCA (Scotland), or local authorities
- Do not engage directly with sellers if you suspect illegal activity
Our Moderation Process
All advertisements are subject to moderation. We reserve the right to:
- Request additional information or documentation
- Edit advertisements to ensure compliance with guidelines
- Remove advertisements that breach our standards
- Suspend or ban users who repeatedly violate guidelines
- Report serious welfare concerns to appropriate authorities
Support and Resources
Helpful Organisations
For guidance on responsible horse sales and welfare:
- British Horse Society: Advice on buying and selling horses safely
- World Horse Welfare: Resources on responsible ownership and rehoming
- RSPCA/SSPCA: Welfare standards and reporting concerns
- Blue Cross: Rehoming advice and support services
- The British Equine Veterinary Association: Guidance on pre-purchase examinations
Updates to These Guidelines
We regularly review and update these guidelines to reflect best practices, legal changes, and community feedback. All users are responsible for staying informed of current guidelines.
By advertising through Everything Horse classifieds, you agree to abide by these standards and prioritise equine welfare in all transactions.
Last updated: October 2025
Contact Us
If you have questions about these guidelines or need support with your advertisement, please contact our team. We’re here to help ensure every horse finds the right home through responsible, ethical sales practices.