A national survey has shown the sacrifices people are making to ensure their horses are cared for
A NATIONAL survey has revealed a “worrying picture” owing to the cost-of-living crisis as many owners are working more and even going without food to ensure their horses are cared for.
The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) has released the results of its latest survey on the cost of living, which was completed by more than 6,000 owners.
The results show that 81% of respondents were concerned about pressure of costs; 39% said the crisis had had a medium or high impact on their ability to keep horses and they had had to make sacrifices to provide care.
A fifth (20%) had taken on another job or increased hours to help pay for horses’ care, 2% were considering giving their horses to a charity and 5% were considering euthanasia.
Rebecca Boulert, education officer at World Horse Welfare, which is coordinating this year’s survey, said: “We know from last year’s research that many owners were just about coping, all possible cost savings had been made, so they really were feeling the pressure. This year’s survey shows these problems are not going away.
“Owners’ main concerns are how they are going to afford even essential items like vet costs, feed and forage. For us as welfare organisations, it makes very concerning reading, and of course as charities we are also facing increased costs and reducing donations. It’s a worrying picture.”
Umbrella organisation NEWC, members of which include governing bodies, educational establishments and welfare charities, wanted to gain a picture of the situation to help develop support for those who need it most, and prevent welfare issues arising.
One survey respondent said: “I can’t afford to call vets out of hours any more. I rent a field and can’t afford a proper horse shelter or stables. I can’t afford the farrier regularly.”
Another had gone without food to feed their horse.
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