A local farm have taken to social media to remind their visitors not to feed the horses.

The team at Rutland Farm Park, headed up by Farmer Amy, have asked visitors once again to refrain from feeding the horses.

Following the passing of their much-loved shire, Mr Tom, the popular visitor attraction welcome a new shire horse to the family, Bridie.

Following his passing, the team reminded visitors not to feed the horses, including new addition Bridie, as this can cause a range of health issues for the animals.

Lady Bridie. Image credit: Rutland Farm Park.

Feeding inappropriate foods to donkeys and horses can unbalance their gut microbiome and cause impactions or twists in the gut, requiring veterinary intervention. This is unpleasant for the horse, expensive for the farming team, and can be fatal.

This Easter, they have once again had to ask visitors to stick to this rule. The team Tweeted:

We are very disappointed that we are now having to put strict measures in place after a number of people have been caught feeding the horses over the Easter weekend. When purchasing food we make it loud and clear who you can and can't feed, we also have … https://t.co/PPyqCxDoLE pic.twitter.com/qtkzRGiy8v

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— Rutland Farm Park (@rutlandfarmpark) April 12, 2023