It is listed as a hamlet in many texts, but the presence of the church makes it a village.

[7][8][9] Horsehouse was historically in the wapentake of Hang West, the chapelry of Coverham and in the Leyburn Rural District.

[10] The village is home to St Botolph's Church, a Grade II listed building rebuilt between 1867 and 1869,[11][12] and the Thwaite Arms public house, built in 1808.

[13] St Botolph's was recorded in an indenture of 1530 from Coverham Abbey, stating a canon would officiate at the church.

St Botolph became the patron saint of boundaries, travel and trade, so it is thought the church dedication reflects the previous trades of the packhorse routes.