DEFRA has launched a public consultation on reforms to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, marking the most significant proposed changes to farriery and veterinary legislation in over 50 years. The consultation covers both farriery-specific reforms and wider proposals that could affect veterinary practice and animal care more broadly, making it important for farriers, horse owners, and equine businesses to take note.
Farriery-Specific Proposals
The consultation includes measures that could:
- Replace the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 with modern legislation.
- Update farrier regulation to reflect current practices and ensure consistency across the UK.
- Regulate hoof trimming and barefoot practice for the first time.
- Introduce UK-wide regulation, covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
These changes aim to improve horse welfare and close long-standing regulatory gaps, but there are also concerns around:
- Farrier independence and autonomy.
- Scope of practice and how farriers can legally operate.
- Governance and representation under a new regulatory framework.
- The impact of costs and bureaucracy on self-employed farriers.
Wider Proposals Affecting Veterinary Practice
Beyond farriery, the consultation also includes broader reforms to the Veterinary Surgeons Act that may affect horse owners and equine businesses:
- Updating the regulation of veterinary practice to align with modern standards of care.
- Strengthening professional oversight and accountability for veterinary services.
- Introducing measures to support public and animal safety, including prescribing, treatment, and delegation of veterinary tasks.
- Potential implications for services provided on livery yards or by private equine veterinarians.
For horse owners, these proposals could influence:
- The range of services available on livery yards, particularly those offering veterinary or retirement livery.
- How treatments and procedures are delegated to farriers, stable staff, or other qualified personnel.
- Access to consistent standards of care across the UK, ensuring both welfare and safety for horses in private and commercial yards.
Why This Matters
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence how farriery and veterinary services are regulated. While there are clear positives in terms of improving animal welfare, it is also essential to consider:
- Maintaining practical and proportionate regulation for self-employed farriers and veterinary staff.
- Ensuring horse owners’ interests are considered, particularly regarding access, cost, and standards of care.
How to Take Part
This is a key opportunity to support welfare improvements while protecting the independence of farriers and the interests of horse owners. Whether you are a veterinary professional, farrier, yard owner, worker in the sector, or a member of the public who cares about the vital services provided for our animals, your views matter.
The consultation closes on 25 March 2026. Participants are encouraged to:
- Read the proposals carefully.
- Consider how they could affect professional practice or horse care.
- Submit an individual response to DEFRA.
Find the consultation, and submit your views here