Impact of cost-of-living crisis revealed

Results of a survey have revealed how horse owners have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis 

A group of equine welfare charities and organisations have published the results of a survey conducted earlier this year that investigated the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on horse owners in order to identify what advice and support may be helpful.

More than 8,000 people took part in the survey and figures showed that almost one in five horse owners (20%) said they are having to consider difficult decisions, such as selling, sharing and even euthanising their horse because of the rising costs.

The data also suggested that many owners are prioritising caring for their horses over themselves. Just under 20% of respondents said they have cut the amount of money they spend on horse care, while nearly half of the participants have cut spending in other areas of life to help pay for their horse.

This survey has highlighted the significant impact on equine welfare as some horse owners (0.7%) said they can’t meet their horses’ basic needs, while 15.7% are extending the time between routine visits, 5.6% delaying veterinary visits and 7.1% are reducing or stopping vaccinations.

Increases in the prices of feed, forage, bedding and fuel were noted by 90% of respondents, and many horse owners said they are worried about the impact of feed and veterinary care price rises in the long term.

Carolyn Madgwick, Chair of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), of which all the charities and organisations are members, said: “The high number of responses to this survey – more than 8,000 – shows how important this issue is for many people and the findings indicate that the impact of these financially challenging times is being felt across the whole of the United Kingdom. Sadly, the situation is only going to worsen with the interest rate increase announced recently, which is sure to have a huge impact on a lot of owners.”

A second survey looked into the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on equine welfare establishments. Almost half of the 36 centres who completed the survey said they will minimise the number of equines they take in and implement stricter selection criteria for these animals. And just under 25% of respondents said they will stop taking in new equines altogether.

Carolyn added: “It’s a deeply worrying time. We’ll be monitoring the situation closely over the coming months and devising ways to provide targeted advice and support where possible.”

Both reports can be found at newc.co.uk