This policy outlines the terms under which Strawberry Paws provides care for horses, ponies,
donkeys, and other equines that may display aggressive, unpredictable, defensive, or
dangerous behaviour. Due to the size, strength, and potential risk posed by equines, safety and
welfare are always prioritised.
Legal and Welfare Compliance
All equine care services are provided in accordance with UK legislation and recognised welfare
standards, including:
- Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (as applicable to professional animal care)
- Equine Welfare Codes of Practice (DEFRA)
- Local authority and yard safety regulations
The owner remains legally responsible for the horse’s behaviour, training, and welfare.
Definition of Aggressive or High-Risk Behaviour
A horse may be considered aggressive or high-risk if it:
- Bites, kicks, strikes, charges, or rears
- Shows defensive or fear-based aggression
- Has a history of bolting, barging, or striking handlers
- Is unsafe to lead, catch, tack up, or handle
- Displays unpredictable behaviour under stress, pain, or environmental change
Mandatory Behaviour Disclosure
Clients must disclose all known behavioural issues before services commence, including:
- Biting, kicking, striking, rearing, bolting
- Yard, stable, or field aggression
- Known triggers (feed, rugs, tack, other horses, people)
Failure to disclose relevant behavioural information may result in:
- Immediate termination of services
- No refund of fees
- Full client liability for injury, damage, or loss
Handling and Care Limitations
For aggressive or high-risk horses, Strawberry Paws may restrict care to essential welfare tasks
only, which may include:
- Visual health and safety checks
- Feeding and watering
- Mucking out where safe to do so
- Rug changes only if safe
The pet sitter will not:
- Ride, lunge, exercise, or train the horse if unsafe to do so
- Handle horses deemed unsafe to catch or lead
- Administer medication requiring restraint unless pre-agreed in writing
- Enter enclosed spaces with unsafe horses
Yard, Stable, and Safety Requirements
Clients must ensure:
- Safe, well-maintained stables, gates, and fencing
- Adequate lighting and clear access routes
- Horses are clearly labelled if known to bite or kick
- Appropriate handling equipment is provided (headcollars, lead ropes, protective gear)
If the environment is unsafe, services may be refused or withdrawn.
Right to Refuse or Terminate Services
Strawberry Paws reserves the right to:
- Refuse care for horses posing an unacceptable safety risk
- Suspend or terminate services if behaviour escalates
- Withdraw immediately where injury risk is present
- All fees remain non-refundable in these circumstances.
Emergency Situations
In the event of:
- Injury to the horse or pet sitter
- Escape or loose horse
- Severe aggression
- Environmental hazards affecting safety
The pet sitter will prioritise personal safety, followed by animal welfare, and may contact:
- The client
- The yard owner/manager
- A veterinary surgeon
- Emergency services if required
Liability
By engaging Strawberry Paws, the client agrees that:
- The business is not liable for injuries caused by aggressive or high-risk horses
- The client remains responsible for their horse’s behaviour and training
- Any injury, damage, or loss resulting from undisclosed behavioural issues is the client’s
responsibility.
Booking equine care services with Strawberry Paws confirms full acceptance of this Aggressive
& High-Risk Horse Policy.