We have recently been going to visit a little horse whose field backs on to a public footpath. DD has suspected ASD and til now has been terrified of all animals, but she is quite keen on this horse. She is non verbal so it's difficult to explain why the horse is not there if he isn't by the gate. So we started taking carrots to feed him in order to entice him to the gate. It's worked wonderfully to the point where she wants to stroke him. This is huge progress in our world!!
I just wondered if you would be unhappy that someone was feeding your horse, there is no farm nearby to ask so I think the owners must drive to feed him. He seems well looked after though.