Manure, Permits, and Subsidies for Horse Owners

August 11, 2026

At Subli, we’re happy to help horse owners with expertise that goes beyond nutrition alone. After all, sound business management is just as important as healthy horses. Issues such as manure regulations, permits, and subsidies can also affect your business. That’s why, for these types of issues, we work together with the specialists at AR Business Development. In this article, we'll outline the most important points to consider for you.

As a horse owner, when do you have to comply with manure regulations?

Many horse owners believe that manure regulations apply only to dairy or crop farms. However, horse owners may also be subject to these regulations. Horse owners who operate on a commercial basis and own at least 3 hectares of agricultural land, or who bring in and/or produce manure containing 350 kg or more of nitrogen (which corresponds to approximately 5 adult horses), are required to maintain comprehensive manure records.

Manure Accounting

The requirements for manure record-keeping for horse owners are becoming increasingly extensive.

1. Fertilization Plan

The fertilization plan must be prepared annually by February 15 and covers planned fertilization based on crop needs (=mandatory portion). It is highly recommended (though not mandatory) to also check that same plan against the statutory application standards. You do not need to submit the fertilization plan, but you must keep it on file in your business records for 5 years.

2. Additional Farmer Information (AGL)

Every year, all farmers—including horse owners—must submit data for the previous calendar year to RVO by January 31 at the latest. This includes, among other things, the ending inventory of fertilizers as of December 31. Fertilizer stocks must be reported by fertilizer code in metric tons and in kilograms of nitrogen and phosphate. The best available data must be used to determine these concentrations. This information enables RVO to verify in a timely manner whether fertilizer regulations are being complied with.

Less risk, more certainty

Exceeding manure standards can result in hefty fines. As a result, more and more horse owners are choosing to outsource their manure record-keeping to specialists, such as AR Bedrijfsontwikkeling. They draw up a comprehensive manure management plan that allows you to demonstrate compliance with all applicable rules and standards. This plan is updated throughout the year and fully finalized at year-end—providing a valuable foundation for an accurate AGL report. This way, you reduce the risk of errors or fines, take full advantage of tax and regulatory benefits, and free up time for what really matters: your horses and your business.

Real-World Examples

In practice, there are various situations that require extra care to prevent exceeding manure standards—and thus incurring manure fines.

Two common examples:

• Horses that are regularly turned out outdoors (in a pasture or paddock), which means that some of the manure remains on the farm.
• Companies that use cattle manure, as this can be financially attractive.

With proper manure record-keeping, you can take advantage of such situations and avoid risks. In addition, when submitting the Farmer’s Supplementary Data (AGL), you’ll have a complete and accurate overview.

Smart Choices in Pasture Fertilization

For farms with pastureland, it can be financially beneficial to remove horse manure and bring in cattle slurry instead. Local cattle farmers often pay for this, and it also helps create fertile soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Please note: these decisions must always comply with legal requirements. An accurate calculation is therefore essential. If you are drawing up a fertilization plan, it is wise to have the potential options and benefits calculated right away.

Fines and Consequences for Improper Record-Keeping

The RVO's penalty policy is strict:

• €100 for late delivery
• €200 for incomplete delivery
• €300 for incorrect or false information
• €300 for failure to deliver at all

In addition, exceeding the usage standards for nitrogen and phosphate can result in substantial fines ranging from €410 to €570 per horse. Failure to comply with these rules may also affect the payment of CAP subsidies.

To avoid problems and take full advantage of financial benefits, it is therefore wise to have your manure records properly managed—for example, by the specialists at AR Business Development.

Combined Declaration

Do you own horses or farmland? If so, there’s a good chance you’re required to file the Combined Declaration. This is an annual summary report submitted to RVO in which you report, among other things, the registration of land and the number of animals. You can also use this form to apply for agricultural subsidies or an expanded phosphate application allowance. Much of this information is also required for manure record-keeping. The Combined Declaration must be completed each year between March 1 and May 15 via the RVO website. You are required to keep the information up to date throughout the year.

CAP Subsidy: Financial Incentives for Sustainable Management

Through the Combined Declaration, you can also apply for the so-called CAP subsidy—the European agricultural subsidy. Many horse owners fall under the category of “active farmer” and are therefore eligible for this program. The subsidy consists of a base payment of approximately €200 per hectare per year (base year 2025). By investing in eco-friendly activities, such as herb-rich or long-term grassland, hedgerows, or small woodlands, this amount can rise to as much as €400 per hectare per year. This rewards sustainable management.

Environmental Act: What Does This Mean for Your Horse Farm?

Horse owners are also affected by the Environment Act. This law consolidates regulations on the environment, land use planning (formerly zoning plans), and nature conservation, including nitrogen. The exact requirements depend on the type of operation.
For example, a breeding operation with more than 25 horses or ponies is subject to different environmental regulations than a boarding stable, riding school, or a small-scale horse farm with fewer animals. Are you planning to expand or make changes to your business? Do you need a permit or have to file a notification? Or is the bank asking about your permit status when applying for financing? The specialists at AR Business Development can help you with expert advice and guidance on the correct procedures.

Consulting Services through AR Business Development

As a horse owner, you’re facing an increasing number of regulations. Are you unsure which requirements apply to your business, or would you like to know what grant opportunities are available? The specialists at AR Business Development We’re happy to work with you to find the right solution. That way, you can be sure you’re complying with current regulations and taking full advantage of the opportunities that are right for your business. Would you like more information? Please contact your Subli feed advisor or reach out directly to AR Business Development at 0317-499500 or info@ar-bedrijfsontwikkeling.nl.

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