RSPCA report calls for a ‘collaborative effort’ to improve lives of all horses

Horse owners and keepers, the equine sector and governments have been urged to work together to ensure all horses have a good future, in a major new report from the RSPCA.

The report ‘Horse sense: A good life for horses through strengthening the horse–human relationship’ launched at the 2025 National Equine Forum (6 March).

Commissioned by the RSPCA to identify the nature and causes of the current equine welfare situation, the report delves into the driving factors behind the well-documented ‘horse crisis’ of overbreeding, abandonment and neglect which began in 2012, but also reveals a wider issue of owned leisure and competition horses not having all their welfare needs met today.

The research, conducted by Human Behaviour Change for Life and their research partners from the University of Bristol and University College Dublin, offers a number of solutions and suggestions for improvements, including:

• Legislation and policy change
• Attitude and behaviour change
• Bridging gaps in knowledge and practical skills among horse owners and keepers

Dr Mark Kennedy, Senior Scientific and Policy Manager for Equines at the RSPCA said: “Everyone in the equestrian world will remember the horse crisis when it was at its peak a number of years ago - with dead or dying horses dumped on an almost weekly basis, and sadly charities like the RSPCA are still seeing some of the effects of those challenges today.

“Although the equine crisis has eased, it is not eliminated, and in fact it is more important than ever to look at horse welfare across the board, including leisure and competition horses too. That’s why we’ve commissioned this important new report.

“The report finds that a diversity of equine welfare issues exists across the different groups of equines. These include obesity, lack of turnout, poor predictability (e.g. frequently changing homes and herd mates), gastric ulcers, delayed euthanasia, limited social interaction, rough handling and poor owner and keeper recognition of stress, pain and quality of life. Fortunately, the report reveals that there’s a lot of work that can be done to drastically improve the lives of all of our horses.

“Our goal is to have an equine world where all horse keepers provide their animals with the opportunities to experience a good quality of life , and for agencies, like the RSPCA and many other organisations, to help keepers achieve this through new research, advice and by leading by example. This report brings together vital research and outlines a number of ways - such as legislation change and more education about the welfare needs of horses -  in which horse owners, the equine sector and governments can all work together and be the driving force for change for horses everywhere.”

Key issues identified in the report include inadequate equine-keeping facilities which fail to provide enough opportunities for turnout, grazing, and socialization, leading to unfulfilled welfare needs - known as the Three Fs- Forage, Friends and Freedom - leading to fewer opportunities for positive welfare and the ability to experience a good quality of life.

It identifies several key areas for action to address the  issues identified, including calling on national governments to strengthen legislation  where required and support local government and other agencies in their enforcement role and introduce new legislation as is necessary, such as the regulation of livery yards and licensing of rescues and sanctuaries. It also emphasizes the role of colleges and equestrian organisations in addressing knowledge and practical skills gaps among horse keepers, and urges governments to  include animal welfare in the national curriculum.

The report also makes suggestions for a boost in knowledge and practical skills in horse management, for colleges in developing their curriculum to address horse keepers’ knowledge and practical skills gaps, as well as recommending that equine welfare charities and equestrian organisations ensure their training curricula address knowledge and practical skills gaps in their members.

Dr Kennedy added: “The RSPCA recently launched its new Animal Futures report which looks into how the world may look for animals by 2050, and how the decisions we make today will influence that outcome. We’re concerned that without action from a number of stakeholders today, many horses face a challenging future - from a lack of grazing space for animals such as horses.

“We hope the publication of our Horse Sense report will play an important role in creating that better world for animals.”

A recent survey by Redwings has revealed that over 90% of horse owners advocate for the increased use of low-noise fireworks and alternatives to enhance equine welfare. The "Fireworks and Horses" survey garnered 5,128 responses from across the UK, aiming to collect firsthand accounts and owner perspectives on how fireworks impact horses.

The preliminary report, published on February 12, 2025, indicates that 67.9% of participants have observed negative effects of fireworks on their horses. Incidents reported include behavioural changes extending beyond the duration of fireworks displays, horses escaping from enclosures, injuries, illnesses, mares miscarrying, and, in some cases, fatalities. Alarmingly, respondents reported over 130 horse deaths attributed to fireworks-related incidents.

Concerns among horse owners are prevalent, with 87.2% expressing anxiety over the impact of fireworks on their animals. The primary issues cited are loud explosions (94.5%) and disruptive sounds like crackles and whistles (84%). A significant majority, 94.8%, support stricter regulations on fireworks usage.

These findings were presented to Minister Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade, during a meeting with members of the Fireworks Working Group on February 4, 2025. This meeting followed the second reading of MP Sarah Owen's 'Fireworks Act 2025' private members' bill, which proposes reducing maximum noise levels of fireworks, limiting sales of high-noise variants, and conducting an independent review of online sales.

Helen Whitelegg, Redwings' Campaigns and Policy Manager highlighted the substantial response to the survey, noting the strong sentiments within the horse-owning community. She emphasized the charity's position: “Redwings is not anti-firework, and the majority of those who completed the survey do not want fireworks to be banned altogether (only 20.5% said they’d like all fireworks banned). We just want to find a better balance so that the enjoyment many people get from fireworks doesn't come at such a high price to others.” 

In 2024, Redwings launched the 'Keep Horses In Mind' campaign, encouraging thoughtful consideration of firework use to protect horse welfare. Full survey results and information on Redwings' fireworks initiatives can be found here.

The National Equine Forum (NEF) is set to host its 33rd annual event on Thursday, 6th March 2025, at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in London. This esteemed gathering brings together industry leaders, veterinary professionals, and equestrian enthusiasts to discuss pressing issues and advancements within the equine sector.

Key Highlights of NEF 2025:

• The Equine Industry in a Changing World: Gain insights from a Parliamentary perspective on the current status of the sector and a comprehensive review of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
• Equine Health Updates: Stay informed about the latest developments concerning significant disease threats to horses in the UK.
• Equine Feeds: Understand feed safety and legality, the essential role of forage, and where to find reliable nutritional advice.
• Equine Assisted Services: Explore the diverse roles horses play, both ridden and on the ground, from their inclusion in the Paralympic Games to their impact on learning and personal development.
• Memorial Lecture: Discover how charities are collaborating to address emerging equine welfare challenges in Britain, featuring perspectives from the front lines.
• Sir Colin Spedding Award: Celebrate the announcement of this year's recipient, honouring exceptional contributions to the equine world.

For those interested in attending in person, tickets are available at £110. Additionally, discounted afternoon tickets are offered for individuals in equestrian education. To register for the live stream or purchase tickets for the in-person event, please visit the NEF's official website: nationalequineforum.com

Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to engage with pivotal topics shaping the future of equestrianism. Whether attending in person or tuning in via the live stream, NEF 2025 promises to be an enlightening and enriching experience for all members of the equine community.

A comprehensive study commissioned by World Horse Welfare has revealed that nearly two-thirds of the UK public are dissatisfied with horse involvement in sports. The study, conducted by Australian engagement science specialists, Voconiq, encompassed over 4,000 participants representative of the UK population and found that 60% of respondents are unhappy with the status quo. Specifically, 40% support the continued use of horses in sports only if welfare improvements are made, while 20% oppose their involvement under any circumstances. Additionally, 57% believe it is acceptable for horses to be ridden, whereas 15% disagree.  

The survey also highlighted the influence of media coverage on public perceptions. Among those who regularly interact with horses, 37% reported increased confidence in equine welfare within sports due to recent media reports. In contrast, only 14% of non-horse-interacting individuals felt more assured, with 25% expressing decreased confidence. This suggests that media narratives significantly shape public opinion on equine welfare.

In response to these findings, equestrian professionals are advocating for proactive measures to enhance horse welfare. Showjumper William Whitaker, for instance, has implemented changes in his stabling practices, such as creating larger pens and shared hay feeders, to improve his horses' well-being. He emphasises the importance of continual learning and prioritising horse health and welfare in the sport.

A panel discussion featuring industry experts, including Olympic eventer Sam Griffiths and British Horseracing Authority CEO Julie Harrington, underscored the necessity for the equestrian community to actively demonstrate their commitment to horse welfare. Suggestions included increased regulation, such as licensing professional yards, and greater public engagement through open days and educational initiatives to foster transparency and trust.

World Horse Welfare's CEO, Roly Owers, stressed the critical nature of these conversations for the future of equestrian sports. He stated, "We support ethical and responsible involvement of horses in sport, and we know good welfare and horse sport are not mutually exclusive. But we recognise that all in equestrianism need to demonstrate this more, with actions as well as words, to maintain public support."

These insights highlight the pressing need for the equestrian sector to address public concerns and implement tangible improvements in horse welfare to secure the sport's future.

View and download the full report ‘National Survey of UK Citizen Attitudes Towards UK Equestrian Sport Industries‘ and a summary of the highlights.

We are delighted to welcome the Cleveland Bay Horse Society as a new member of the National Equine Welfare Council!

Established in 1884, the Cleveland Bay Horse Society (CBHS) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Cleveland Bay. As a registered charity, they regulate, promote, and protect pure and part-bred Cleveland Bay horses, ensuring this versatile and historic breed thrives for future generations.

Renowned for their versatility, these horses have adapted over centuries to various roles, showcasing their strength, stamina, and exceptional temperament. The Society's efforts include maintaining the studbook, supporting breeding programs, and organising events to showcase the breed's versatility and temperament. By joining the National Equine Welfare Council, CBHS reinforces its commitment to the welfare and future of the Cleveland Bay horse.

Learn more about their mission and how you can support the Cleveland Bay Horse Society at their website: Cleveland Bay

We are thrilled to announce that Freshfields Animal Rescue has joined the National Equine Welfare Council as a new member, further strengthening our collective commitment to protecting and improving equine welfare across the UK.

Founded in 1979, Freshfields Animal Rescue was built on a core principle: all life matters. Over the past 45 years, they have grown into a respected sanctuary, rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming charity. Their mission—to make a great quality of life possible for all vulnerable animals—and their vision of a world where animals are protected and nature is valued align closely with NEWC’s objectives.

Freshfields Animal Rescue provides compassionate care for a wide variety of animals, including horses, ponies, and donkeys. Their 19-acre facility in Gwynedd, North Wales, houses state-of-the-art stables, field shelters, and ample grazing areas, ensuring their equines receive the highest standard of care. The team is committed to rehabilitation, rehoming, and education, helping to improve equine welfare not just in their sanctuary but also in the wider community. Last year alone, they handled the rehoming of 11 horses, while continuing to care for dozens more, both on-site and in foster homes.

Freshfields shares NEWC’s vision for protecting equine welfare and commits to upholding the NEWC Code of Practice. By joining the council, they hope to enhance their standards, learn from other members, and raise awareness about equine welfare challenges. Their inclusion not only underscores their dedication but also brings valuable experience and insight to the broader NEWC network.

We look forward to working together to create a brighter future for equines and the communities that care for them.

For more information about Freshfields Animal Rescue, visit their website at freshfields.org.uk or follow them on social media at @freshfieldsrescue.

The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) is pleased to announce the publication of a groundbreaking two-part study that delivers a comprehensive review of factors influencing the well-being of domestic horses.

The research, published in the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) journal, Animal Welfare, identifies essential needs and the profound impact of human interactions on horse welfare, offering practical recommendations for improving horses' quality of life (QoL).

A comprehensive review of relevant scientific literature revealed that many current horse management practices do not fully address species-specific needs and that human-horse interactions may not always be positive for the animal.

Key findings from the first paper emphasise that fulfilling horses’ species-specific needs—such as providing adequate space, social companionship, and access to forage—is vital for their physical and emotional well-being. Horses exhibit positive emotional behaviours when these needs are met, including affiliative interactions and reduced stress-related behaviours.

The second paper explores the horse-human relationship, noting that human interactions can both positively and negatively affect a horse's well-being. It highlights that while positive experiences with humans, such as gentle handling and trust-building exercises, can improve a horse’s well-being, aversive interactions or unrecognised pain can have long-term negative effects. The research suggests adopting management practices that reduce negative stimuli, ensuring that interactions with humans promote pleasure and trust.

Based on these findings, the researchers have outlined key recommendations aimed at enhancing horse welfare through improved management practices:

• Prioritise providing horses with space, companionship, and free access to forage to meet their natural behavioural needs.
• Minimise negative human-horse interactions by improving handling techniques and training methods.
• Recognise and address behavioural signs of pain early to prevent negative impacts on a horse's emotional health and well-being.

The researchers hope their findings will contribute to better equine management practices, encouraging a shift toward more humane treatment that improves the overall quality of life for horses. The conclusions from this research will also directly inform the upcoming revision of the NEWC Code of Practice.

Co-author and Director of NEWC, Dr Carol Hall, said “Unfortunately, most domestic horses aren’t living as good a life as they could or should be. Our review highlights several areas where current management and training practices fall short. Ensuring basic provisions like space, companionship, and adequate forage is essential for their well-being, yet these needs are often unmet.”

“It was also clear from the literature that behavioural signs, which could indicate how horses feel during human interactions, are often ignored or misinterpreted. Restrictive practices limit their ability to withdraw from unpleasant situations, leading to long-term negative effects.”

NEWC Chair, Carolyn Madgwick said “On a positive note, this extensive review allows us to pinpoint numerous ways to improve the lives of domestic horses. The NEWC Code of Practice is currently being updated and will incorporate these findings to advance equine welfare nationwide.”

With support from The Horse Trust, who funded the preliminary stage of this research, and Nottingham Trent University who facilitated the Open Access publication, this research represents a significant step forward in driving evidence-based improvements in equine welfare practices.

Nominations are officially open for The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award and The Sir Peter O’Sullevan RoR Community Impact Award.

The RoR Awards will take place on Cheltenham Festival Trials Day, 25 January 2025.

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is excited to announce that the 2025 RoR Awards will be held at Cheltenham Festival Trials Day on 25 January 2025. This new venue for the RoR Awards provides a unique opportunity to merge our celebration of the adaptability and versatility of Thoroughbreds in their post-racing careers with the excitement of racing. The event will highlight two prestigious awards: The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award and The Sir Peter O’Sullevan RoR Community Impact Award, alongside the presentation of the RoR Elite Series champions across seven equestrian disciplines.

Next year’s awards are especially significant as they coincide with RoR’s 25th anniversary. This milestone allows us to reflect on a quarter-century of commitment to the welfare of former racehorses. RoR is dedicated to ensuring these magnificent animals lead lives filled with dignity, love, and fulfilment long after their racing careers have concluded.

The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award and the Sir Peter O’Sullevan RoR Community Impact Award recognise exceptional former racehorses who have successfully transitioned into new careers, as well as inspiring individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in people’s lives working with former racehorses.

RoR Managing Director, David Catlow, expressed his enthusiasm for the 2025 event, stating, “We are thrilled to bring the RoR Awards to Cheltenham Festival Trials Day. Partnering with such a prestigious venue allows us to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of former racehorses both on and off the racetrack.”

On behalf of the trustees of The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, Nigel Payne remarked, “As we embark on the second year of this award, we are confident that Sir Peter would have cherished the connection between his charitable trust and RoR. This partnership not only showcases the remarkable efforts made to promote new lives for horses after racing but also highlights the profound impact that former racehorses can have in transforming people’s lives for the better.”

Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said: “We are proud to support RoR once again with The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award. Cheltenham is the perfect backdrop for celebrating the remarkable second careers of former racehorses, the huge range of activities they undertake and impact they have."

The 2025 RoR Awards promise to feature heartwarming stories that celebrate the versatility and adaptability of former racehorses as they transition into new careers. Nominations for both awards are now open and will close at 5 pm on 8 November 2024. For further information, please visit the RoR Awards pages.

Redwings launches new fireworks campaign and asks people to contact their MP ahead of awareness-raising event at Westminster.

Redwings is launching a new campaign to better protect horses, ponies, donkeys and mules from the fear, injury, illness and worse that fireworks can cause. The horse welfare charity, which is one of the biggest in the UK, is asking people to ‘Keep Horses in Mind’ when they’re deciding whether to use fireworks and choosing which type – with quiet or silent fireworks now more available than ever before.

Redwings has been campaigning to raise awareness on the issue for over ten years with increased commitment after three horses in the charity’s care died because of the effects of fireworks. Last year they released distressing footage of some of their horses reacting to fireworks being let off near one of their centres.

Earlier this year (Wednesday 27 March), the charity hosted a roundtable discussion to explore the viability of using the Animal Welfare Act as a means of holding individuals to account in cases where fireworks are believed to have inadvertently led to the injury or death of an animal, and produced a ground-breaking report on the Animal Welfare Act and fireworks here.

Now, as the first action of their new campaign, Redwings is co-hosting an awareness-raising drop-in event for MPs in Westminster on Wednesday 30th October, alongside other members of the Fireworks Working Group,and is urging people to contact their MP to ask them to attend.

Redwings Campaigns and Policy Manager Helen Whitelegg said: “We’re inviting MPs to join us to discuss much-needed improvement to regulations.

“The event will highlight the adverse impact of fireworks not only on horses, but also on other animals, people, wildlife and the environment, with the aim of raising awareness amongst those who have the power to bring about change.

“Please contact your local MP and ask them to come along. You can find your MP's contact details here.”

The MP drop-in event will take place in Room S, Portcullis House, between 2 pm - 3.30 pm on Wednesday 30^th October.

Helen added: “We are planning lots more actions as part of the campaign and will have some new resources to share too, so please do get involved and help us achieve overdue change.”

For more information go to Redwings fireworks webpage here and follow Redwings’ social media channels to lend your support.

We are delighted to welcome HorseBack UK as a member of the National Equine Welfare Council.

The organisation is a multi-award-winning Scottish charity located just outside Aboyne in the Scottish Highlands that focuses on improving health and well-being by inspiring recovery, fostering positive change, and helping individuals find renewed purpose, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalized. HorseBack UK also aims to enhance education and employment prospects for these communities.

Through horsemanship, equine-assisted learning, rural skills training, and outdoor activities, HorseBack UK delivers award-winning projects designed to help participants develop new coping strategies, build life skills, and strengthen resilience while earning nationally recognised awards and qualifications.

Founded in 2009 by Jock Hutchison, a former Royal Marine, and Emma Hutchison, a former police officer, HorseBack UK initially focused on supporting veterans dealing with life-changing injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2016, the charity expanded its mission to serve the wider community, including emergency service personnel dealing with PTSD and disengaged young people, offering well-being support and qualifications.

The charity's objectives include facilitating and advancing health and social well-being to improve the quality of life for individuals who:

• Are serving or have served in the Armed Forces and have been injured, wounded, or are suffering from mental or physical illnesses, including PTSD.
• Due to their age, ill-health (including mental health), disability, social or financial circumstances, occupation, or other disadvantages, can benefit from the services and facilities provided by the charity.

Activities provided by HorseBack UK include:

• Personal development through horsemanship skills to improve health, social well-being, confidence, and general interaction, sometimes utilising equine therapy.
• Education and personal growth through training in rural skills, traditional crafts, and conservation/adventure activities to support rehabilitation, re-settlement, re-training, and employability.

In addition to its Youth Development Programme, HorseBack UK's key initiatives include:

• The Military Recovery Programme, which supports veterans suffering from life-changing physical and mental injuries.
• The Live Life Project, managed by the NHS, which assists families of veterans.
• The Schools Development Programme, designed for disengaged 13-to-16-year-olds referred through schools, who might otherwise face exclusion from education.

HorseBack UK’s commitment to these causes highlights its dedication to making a significant difference in the lives of those facing adversity. Find out more about their work, here.