hello all!im sorry im not horse person but would like to ask a question that puzzles me.
i live in essex,and near me there are plenty of commons,on these there are always horses,whatever the weather,now they are tied up,but all fed and have water,they dont all look in the best of health (but im far from an expert).i just wondered who is likely to own these horses,and for what reason......any ideas?

Do you mean they are tethered? If so they are more than likely travellers horses. If you are concerned about them call World Horse Welfare, they will come out & check them (they are a lot better than RSPCA) & if they are not being cared for adequately they will take steps. Tethering is not an ideal way to keep a horse but as long as they are checked several times a day ( tethers can get caught up), have water, forage & have veterinary care when needed then it is not a welfare issue.

thanks....im not sure ifid say theyre not looked after,its not just one common,but they seem to be everywhere,and have been in these placessince ive lived here(about 10 years)

Well, as I said if you are concerned make a call. Travellers get a lot of bad press, not saying that there are not some that are absolute scum (same as with any other group in society) but there are those that are excellent horsemen & care for & treat their animals very well. If they appear in good health & cared for then the actual tethering is not a prob

cheers for that!if i have any concerns il do that,i was really just interested what they were doing there.

When I was a gal........OK 40 years ago. I lived in Cheshire and went to school in Winsford. There was a "riding school" there and they kept all their horses on tethers. I think that they owned the land but they did not fence it.

There are lots of people who own horses and cannot afford the costs of owning/leasing/whatever properly fenced paddocks. The horses end up tethered. They can get shocking injuries if they get caught up and panic.