@PerspicaciousGreen
I don’t mean to be rude, but can I ask why you need to have further explanations, other than “please do not feed the horses”? Why would “do not feed” mean anything other than exactly that- do not feed them anything at all? I’m not being facetious, I am genuinely baffled by the fact that anyone would require greater explanation/a list of reasons why. You’ve been told not to. So just don’t do it. It really is that simple.
In fact, it annoys me that owners really need signs saying that people should not feed their horses (or other livestock) in the first place. Surely basic manners would suggest that you do not interfere with other people’s livestock or property? Well, I know from bitter experience that the general public let loose in the countryside are quite often nothing but trouble, so I am aware that basic sense, responsible behaviour and manners are in short supply, sadly.
I am grumpy as we’ve had yet more problems- as we do every bank holiday and many weekends/holidays, especially if the weather is nice- so I am not in the most sympathetic mood.
The bottom line is that if it is not yours, whether it be livestock, property, or land- do not interfere with it. You have no right to.
How would you feel if I wondered up to your child (if you have any) and gave them food, without checking that it is ok? After all, I doubt you have a specific sign pinned to them telling me not do so and why (in detail). What would be the reaction if lots of people started wondering into school playgrounds or nurseries and began handing out junk food to children in playgrounds (after all, children may well enjoy the treats and be happy about that and giving children pleasure makes some people happy).Or if I randomly wandered into your green or home and fed your pets? Would you be sanguine if I walked into your place of work or home, disrupted your work/home life, leaving rubbish/mess and causing damage? Maybe I could fill your car with inappropriate fuel (after all- there is no sign on your car to tell me NOT to)?
My plea to those coming to enjoy the countryside would be to make sure you know the rules and abide by them. If in doubt about whether you can do something, simply don’t do it until you have clarified the situation. Please only park in an appropriate place and only go where you are allowed. Don’t leave rubbish and clear up after yourselves (and your children and your dogs), close gates, keep your dogs and children under control at all times. Please don’t trample over crops in fields and keep to paths. Please don’t handle livestock unless specifically told you can and do not feed any of them anything at all, ever, without permission (even if there is not a sign specifically telling you not to).