8 sustainable ideas for horse owners

● CAR SHARE TO THE YARD: if you’re heading in the same direction as a fellow livery yard member, take it in turns to drive each other (subject to Covid restrictions). Or perhaps split the work so each of you does one end of the day.

● BUY SECOND HAND: check out your local equestrian social media page or group to pick up good quality second-hand items that are fit for reuse.

● BUY LOCAL: support your nearest tack shop and feed merchants as well as local producers in order to reduce travel and delivery.

● INVEST IN ECO PRODUCTS: many brands are now creating goods from alternative materials. For example, Poly Jumps’ Eco Jumps range is made from bio-resin, which contains polyethylene derived from plant sources.

● HELP GOOD CAUSES: the Horse Trust will take your old rugs, saddles, bits and bridles for their tack sales. The RSPCA takes head-collars, lead ropes and turnout rugs that are in “reasonable and usable condition”. Or give your bits a second life by donating them to the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust.

● SAVE WATER: consider installing automatic drinkers, or simply repairing leaky taps around the yard.

● BULK BUY: look for companies offering bulk solutions, such as Chestnut Horse Feeds which provides a bulk-bin feeding system. The food is delivered to buyers in a reusable, waterproof bin, which reduces waste. Buy lotions, cleaners and products in larger quantities and decant into old plastic bottles as needed.