These are the people whom are the most noted when it comes to equine welfare. Horses grazed on grass verges, urban green space within housing estates. “Fly Grazers” Some that I have worked with have grazed horses on one particular plot of land outside their houses for more than 45 years. Tethered Monday to Friday, generally free to roam on weekends when the council offices are closed. They have had horses for generations, its part of their social status, life, livelihood and lifestyle.

In communities where there is so much unrest, drugs, crime and social deprivation these urban communities have a reason? They exist in a community not meant for horses. Shunned by people whom judge them or hold themselves in a higher social and moral standing.



The pressure is on, the horse bill has been passed and these people, the horse owners who care are being forced financially to lose horses that have been a part of the family for years. Children have grown up with them, learning to ride, handle, break and love horse. In times of certain insecurity these horses have provided rest bite from the family quarrels, understanding in times of distress, calmness in a chaos. Transport when money is not available. Most importantly peace and tranquillity in today’s stressful world.

These communities were built for social housing, everything that was required was provided without any need to strive to attain anything. Many of the owners do not even drive. They do not have a car licence, the community provided everything. From a pay points, post offices, public houses, fast food, library’s , children’s schools, parks, play clubs , social clubs the list is endless. The community was built to enable everything that could ever be required to be there.



The community has adapted to the cultures that live in them, Mosques, churches, polish supermarkets, these to name but a few amenities being provided to enable all cultures to thrive and live in these communities. Evolution has provided what is required. Drop in centres for clothing, needle exchanges, and therapy.

All needs are catered for. Expect those whom belong to the urban horse culture. These are the stigmatised, the unwanted the blight on the perfect, sustainable communities. There is no room for this culture. No room for horses, room for the owners should they wish to practice religion, play bingo or go to the skate park. No room to learn the love of the horse, no space to ride. Or to see their horse free to run, no planned environment for them.

Horses have been in these communities for 100’s of years, they are part of the heritage. The unwanted heritage. A culture that is being outlawed and driven underground. A place that is dark and not good for the horses.

When there is a social problem, we as a society need to address it, seek out the solutions and not condemn.

Budgets wasted on collecting horses when the owners just buy more. This is not the solution. There are more cheap and free horses than there are spaces in the sanctuary, or the green yards. This is not the answer. This is not the solution.

The urban horse owners that I have worked with would love the opportunity to have an area for their horse. They are willing to pay, build, maintain and govern.

In order to learn we have to create the environment. Allow them to have their culture. Cut the costs to local governments; reduce the horse numbers by providing areas for horses to care for in safe environments. Governed by park wardens, charities and horse owners. Give them a chance to live as they wish safely. Enable them to adhere to the laws and legalisations.

Most importantly provide the resources to enable them to live as they wish and enhance the welfare of the horse.

Provide the environments for learning and better practices.

I am not a great believer in tethering, nor do I believe that horses that should be stabled 24/7. The horse has many lessons to teach us all, they provide a service for individuals who seek out their company.

Who are we to stigmatise and judge. When we should be putting both the needs of people and horses first. If we care for both work with both. Allow them to harmonise together, giving comfort and education to those who need it.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2180474/Philadelphias-Fletcher-Street-Urban-cowboys-tackle-gang-violence-drugs-inner-city-America.html

All images in this post are obtained from google search engines.