The rule, aimed at continental Europe, where two million horses are reportedly eaten every year, will have to be signed in Britain Photo: PA

June 24, 2009 · A new European Union law has British horse owners upset. They now have to sign a pledge promising they will not sell their horses for horsemeat. Most in Britain are repulsed by the idea of eating their horses. The law aims to keep riding horses treated with hormones out of the foodchain.