Owners put horses' needs first during cost-of-living crisis

A survey found people are going without to ensure their horses’ care is not affected by increased costs

- LUCY ELDER

OWNERS are putting their horses needs above their own, a survey’s results have revealed.

National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) members, led by Redwings, carried out the survey in December and January. It found almost one in five of 8,000-plus owners are having to consider difficult decisions, such as sale, sharing, or euthanasia of horses, owing to rising costs.

Just under 20% said they had cut spending on horse care, and almost 50% said they had reduced expenditure in other areas to help pay for their horses’ care.

Quotes highlight ways some were cutting back on essentials, to care for their horses.

“My animals come first. I have mitigated impact on them by foregoing things such as heating, dental care and eye test/new glasses,” said one.

Another added: “This winter I made the decision to go without heating and hot water and change my eating to be able to provide the same level of care for my horse and dog.”