All horses and ponies have the same basic needs: readily accessible water and an appropriate diet to maintain health and vitality; the prevention of injury, parasite infestation and disease; adequate comfort and shelter; freedom from stress and fear; freedom of movement; and the opportunity to exercise normal patterns of behaviour in the company of other animals.

In its continuing commitment to promoting education and welfare within the equine world, the Horse Trust is the UK's largest provider of equine welfare grants.

The Horse Trust is both an active member and a leading sponsor of the National Equine Welfare Council with whom it publishes the Equine Welfare Guidelines Compendium, the industry reference manual on welfare. The Compendium lays down minimum standards of horse, pony and donkey care, husbandry and welfare and the legal requirements which relate to these. It is a referral document cited in court by local authorities, police and welfare organisations prosecuting cases of neglect or cruelty. At a local level, the Horse Trust also collaborates with the RSPCA to assist with rehoming abandoned or severely neglected horses, ponies and donkeys.