The judges aren’t going to eat you — and other things you wish your horse understood
There are just a few things we wish we could clear up with our horses — whether it's those horse-eating road signs or the fact that kicking the stable door doesn't make food come any faster...
1. We want the same thing
You want to go out. We want you to go out. The longer you faff about as we’re changing your rug, the longer it’s going to be till you get out. Just wait.
2. The bins aren’t going to eat you
There has never been a confirmed case of a bin eating a horse.
3. The road works signs aren’t going to eat you
We’re fairly sure they’re vegetarians.
4. The sheep/cows/flowers/dressage judges aren’t going to eat you
We think we’ve made our point.
5. The fence is there for a reason
And no, the grass isn’t greener on the other side.
6. Your hay/haylage and straw/shavings are separate for a reason
If you mix the former in with the latter, you won’t want to eat it, and then you’ll do that hurt “you’ve left me to starve” face.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
7. The feed is in the bucket for a reason
Tip it out and you’ll be the one eating poo.
8. We brushed the mud off for a reason
And you didn’t like it. Roll again and we’ll have to brush it off again.
Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:
14 things your horse does when you’re running late
8 struggles only short riders will understand
9. The water is there for you to drink
If you fill it up with hay/poo in it/tip it over, you will be thirsty.
10. Kicking the door won’t make your dinner come any faster
And turning your head on one side won’t let you reach any further towards it.
11. It’s for your own good
Whether it’s a vile-tasting wormer or a needle in your neck, we’re not doing it for the fun of it. And once it’s done, it’s done.
12. Stay away from the giant mutant killer burrs
Just trust us on this one.
13. Just stand still
Really.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.