Recession begins to take its toll on horses

Latest figures from animal rescue charity, Blue Cross, show that an increasing number of equestrians are struggling to keep up with the financial demands of horse ownership amidst the cost-of-living crisis

Worrying new statistics released by Blue Cross this month show that of the 144 requests they’ve received from people wanting to give up their horses, 70% have cited financial circumstances as the reason. This is a significant increase on 2021, when just 15% of 277 requests listed finances as the cause.

Annabelle Taylor, Rehoming Coordinator at Blue Cross, said: “It’s distressing to see that the number of people seeking rehoming support because of financial reasons is already more than double last year’s annual total and we still have a third of the year to go.

“We’re acutely aware that as the cost of living continues to increase, many people may be unavoidably presented with making difficult choices for their beloved horses.”

Blue Cross has a successful rehoming scheme of equines who are rescued and brought to their rehoming centre in Oxford, and in 2015 they expanded their help even further to create the ‘Home Direct’ scheme. This allows horses who have undergone a thorough health check from Blue Cross staff to be listed on their website for rehoming by their current owner. Once someone has applied to rehome a horse, they undergo a home check before Blue Cross facilitates the horse being rehomed, without them ever needing to be taken in by the charity.

The scheme aims to make rehoming easier and prevent horses from suffering, but it also keeps spaces open at rescue centres for horses who’ve been neglected or abused and are in desperate need of care.

Annabelle continued: “We encourage owners approach us whilst their horses are still healthy rather than risk them being passed from pillar to post, potentially ending up in a welfare compromised situation. We’re here to listen and help, not to judge, and with Home Direct we a can help people as much as we are helping horses.”

If you need support looking after your horse or advice about rehoming, email  [email protected]