Charity launches scheme to support struggling horse owners

World Horse Welfare’s new service provides free advice and access to help anyone facing difficulties caring for their horses

A leading equine charity has launched a new scheme aimed at helping horse owners who are struggling to care for their animals, whether that’s through financial difficulties, poor physical or mental health, or any other change in personal circumstances that could have an impact on their horses’ wellbeing.

World Horse Welfare set up its free Help for Horse Owners support service to allow owners to access compassionate, non-judgemental advice and support, while the Resources Hub gives details of organisations that can assist the individual in dealing with their specific needs. The idea behind the initiative is that, by using early intervention, serious welfare issues can be prevented. The service also aims to stop difficult situations from deteriorating even further so that, where appropriate, animals are able stay with their owners.

Head of UK Support at World Horse Welfare, Sam Chubbock, said: “Many people know our charity rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes horses in need throughout Britain. What they may not be aware of is that a large part of the work that our field officers do on a daily basis is helping owners to better care for their horses.

“Horse owners and their families often approach us for help when their circumstances have changed, meaning they are struggling to provide the necessary care. However, we also understand how difficult it can be to ask for help – which is why we have developed our Help for Horse Owners support service. Our focus is on trying to keep families and their animals together when this is the best option for them in the longer term. We do this in a variety of ways, including helping horse owners to change their management practices or signposting them to other areas of support they might not know about.”

Owners in need of help can request a support call via the Resources Hub but they may also be visited by World Horse Welfare field officers who can then make in-person assessments of the situation and provide hands-on practical advice.

For more information on this service or to access it, visit worldhorsewelfare.org