Responsible Horse Ownership Course

You may be familiar with the scenario – a young person has lessons at their local riding school all the time dreaming of owning their own pony. Finally the parents agree that they will purchase a pony. With little working knowledge of its care or how much it will cost and even less about how to choose the right one, the family embark on first time horse ownership.

The ILPH are very familiar with this situation as in the most serious cases the pony ends up as a welfare case. To attempt to combat this we have instigated a series of ILPH lecture clinics around the country.

Tony Tyler, Director of the ILPH’s UK Operations said, “The ILPH is contacted regularly by people who have purchased a horse or pony and within a short time find that the animal has become unsuitable or they have encountered a problem which they are unable to solve. With these ILPH lectures we aim to deliver an important message within a supportive atmosphere aimed mainly at people considering ownership or having just embarked on first time horse responsibility.


“First and foremost we aim to highlight both how much keeping a horse costs and the time commitments that they demand. The ILPH lectures will cover suitability of horse and rider, daily routine, feeding, watering, pasture management, stabling, and professional support such as farriery and veterinary care. There will be information about regular routine medication such as worming, vaccinations and dentistry together with tack and equipment required. Information will also be provided about the benefits of insurance and the issue of security. “

The lectures, of approximately two and a half hours, cost just £5.00 and every person who attends will receive a course information pack.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in the courses please ask them to contact Samantha Lewis at ILPH Headquarters, Anne Colvin House, Snetterton, Norfolk, NR16 2LR on 01953 497217. If you know of a suitable venue to hold a course or display leaflets we would be interested to hear from you.

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