Surge in horses given up by owners as costs rise

The rising cost of caring for horses is putting more owners under financial pressure, with an animal welfare charity reporting an increase in horses being given up.

The Blue Cross in Burford, Oxfordshire, says the situation has been made more difficult this year by the dry weather, leading to hay shortages and more expensive food prices.

The site is currently taking in 20 to 30 horses a month, and the charity across the UK saying it has seen a "160% surge in relinquished horses in recent years".

Admissions coordinator Freya Long says: "There's no grass, very little hay. I've started getting an increase in requests and I can only imagine it'll get higher with the cost of living."

The charity says the costs for owners can extend well beyond feed, with veterinary care, vaccinations, worming and farrier visits all essential to a horse's welfare.

Horse centre manger Vicki Alford adds: "It all adds up. We are finding, unfortunately, that people are contacting us because they can't financially look after their horses anymore."

In 2025, The RSPCA found that the nature of the equine crisis had shifted from abandonment to more general welfare issues.

Its research identified a combination of factors, including a lack of:

• Practical knowledge, skills and experience in caring for equines

• Suitable facilities and space for turn-out, grazing and socialisation

• Provision and planning for lifetime welfare and care of horses

The charity said these issues have been enhanced by increases in the cost of living over recent years.

The Blue Cross said it wants owners to ask for help before financial difficulties begin to affect the welfare of their animals.

Alford says: "We absolutely encourage this, we want people to come to us..........before their horses get too far down the line.

"Please come to us. We are here to help and we will not judge."