HORSE owners are being put on their guard about unscrupulous dealers advertising in equestrian magazines for companion horses.

The renewed warning comes from the British Horse Society who says that owners are selling their horses in good faith, thinking their much loved friend will spent the rest of its days being cared for in pleasant surroundings.

But the truth is that dealers posing as private owners are in fact selling the horses on, either at sales or to the meat market. This is not illegal if they have actually paid for the horse or have what is in effect a Bill of Sale.

The practice of seeking companion horses is well established in the horse world and the prospect of someone offering a good home for a horse to end its days in comfort is very appealing.

But the BHS says owners need to be sure this will be the case. It recommends owners must satisfy themselves that the person taking on their horse will do just that. This will involve extensive enquiries and even requesting references.

If the horse is put out on permanent loan - with a proper written agreement - then the person to whom it is loaned may not sell it, loan it or even put it down without the original owner's agreement.

However, if the horse is sold, even if only £20 changes hands, then the new owner is free to dispose of that horse as they wish.

The society also says: "If owners can no longer care for their horse themselves, and cannot sell it, then the kindest thing to do is have the horse put down. It is not fair to risk it being put in an auction or being passed around dealers and meat men.

"When people buy a horse they must think very hard about what they will do when the time comes when it can no longer be ridden, and be prepared to take the difficult decision in the interests of the well-being of the horse.