The code of practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys, and their hybrids states that tethering is not a suitable method of long-term management for an animal as It can restrict their natural freedoms, such as being able to exercise and access food and water. It can put horses at risk of injury from entanglement in tethering equipment and prevent them from escaping from danger.

The Government advises that if anyone is concerned about the way a horse is tethered, they should report it to the local authority or a charity like RSPCA or World Horse Welfare for investigation.