Two NEWC members have come together to urge financially struggling horse owners to rehome their horses before winter. World Horse Welfare and Blue Cross have made the appeal over concerns that many horse owners are still struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis.
A recent survey, conducted by World Horse Welfare on behalf of the National Equine Welfare Council, found that 1.9 per cent of respondents thought they might need to approach a charity to rehome their horse within the next year. This translates to over 7,000 households in the UK who could have to give up their horses.
The cost of horse ownership is also continuing to have an impact on owners who are not yet at the stage of having to rehome their horses. More than two-thirds of respondents told the survey that they had made sacrifices in their lives to provide for the horses’ basic care needs.
The charities have emphasised that summer is the best time to rehome horses. The longer days and summer weather can make it easier for new owners to bond with their horses. In contrast, horse care in winter can be more demanding, due to the need for more stable time and feed.
Tony Tyler, deputy chief executive of World Horse Welfare, said: “Rehoming your horse during the summer gives both the horse and the new owner the best chance of a smooth transition.
“Waiting until winter can be far more difficult for everyone involved, and this is the main time of year people decide to rehome their horses, so there will be far more competition for homes just at the time it becomes much harder to care for your horses.
“We know many people understandably hang on to their horses for as long as possible, but it may be in everyone’s best interest to plan ahead and start the process now.”
NEWC Vice-Chair and Blue Cross Horse Welfare Manager, Ruth Court, added: “Both ourselves and World Horse Welfare offer advice lines where you can talk in confidence to a kind and understanding member of our teams, and they will discuss options with you.
“It’s so important to do this before it is too late and the horse has started to suffer and stands the risk of becoming a welfare case.”
Both Blue Cross and World Horse Welfare have more information for struggling owners on their websites.
The results from NEWC's latest cost-of-living survey, which uncovers the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on equine-keeping, can be found here.
NEWC is delighted to welcome the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) as a new member.
Established in 1907, NIVA is a membership organisation representing all veterinary surgeons in Northern Ireland whose objective is the promotion and advancement of veterinary and allied sciences, and to further the status and prestige of the veterinary profession.
Find out more about their work, here: vetni.co.uk/niva
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NEWC has released the results from its latest cost-of-living survey, which uncovers the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on equine-keeping. Over 6,000 equine owners from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland filled in this year’s survey.
Key findings from the 2024 report include:
One anonymous respondent said: “I can’t afford to call vets out of hours anymore. I rent a field and can’t afford a proper horse shelter or stables. I can’t afford the farrier regularly anymore.”
Another said: “Everything increased resulting in it becoming impossible to continue to keep my horse in work, so she’s now been retired to a field.” A third respondent said they had had to go without food to feed their horse every month
Despite the rising costs, equine ownership proved vital to the mental health of some owners. One respondent, now unable to work, was going without food, heating and diesel because their horse was so important to them.
For the first time this year, respondents in the free text sections also highlighted their concerns about climate change, the altering seasons, the impact of the bad weather over the winter on their grazing, and the resulting turnout challenges.
Rebecca Boulert, Education Officer at World Horse Welfare, the equine charity coordinating this year’s survey, said, “We know from last year’s research that many owners were just about coping, all possible cost savings had already been made, so they really were feeling the pressure. This year’s survey shows that these problems are just not going away. Owners’ main concerns for the coming year are how they are going to afford even essential items like vet costs, emergency care, feed and forage. For us as welfare organisations, it makes for very concerning reading, and of course as charities we are also facing increased costs and reducing donations. It’s a worrying picture.”
Despite this, there were some positive welfare outcomes reported, including equines being turned out for longer or full-time, which can be beneficial for both their physical and mental health. Reports of owners opting for testing-led worm control methods, which are effective in tackling anthelmintic resistance in the equine parasite population. Many are now also opting for a forage-based, low-concentrate feed which can satisfy their animal’s physiological and behavioural needs.
The 2024 survey had 6,143 responses, a summary of which can be found HERE. The survey was developed by members of NEWC including World Horse Welfare, Redwings, Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, Bransby Horses and Oak Tree Animals Charity.
A tailored version of the survey targeting charities and other equestrian rescue centres was run concurrently to find out how the continuing cost of living crisis is affecting these types of organisations. It revealed a rise in operating costs against a fall in donations, with more welfare enquiries pointing at an increasing number of horses that will require their care. The full results of this survey can be viewed HERE.
The results of both surveys will be shared with the UK Government, Devolved Administrations, and local authorities to help inform their understanding of the situation as well as policy decisions, including potential financial support to those most in need.
Both reports are available to read below:
Results from NEWC's first Cost-of-Living survey of equine owners and keepers, which received over 8000 responses, were published in June 2023 and can be found HERE.
SAW, held annually during the first week of May, is coordinated by a team of eminent equine welfare organisations, research institutes and companies. The campaign produces content to share information about Strangles and biosecurity, as well as the latest research, to help protect horses and businesses from the misery of a Strangles outbreak.
The 2024 campaign was supported by event riders Lucinda Green and William Fox-Pitt, dressage rider Richard Davison and equestrian influencer Riding with Rhi, who starred in videos promoting actions horse owners could take to give their horses the BEST protection from Strangles:
Over 40 leading equestrian brands, including Champion, Toggi, Equilibrium and Spillers, donated prizes for the SAW BEST prize draw– for horse owners who could correctly identify the BEST actions. The fantastic prize worth over £6,000 was won by Elaine Macdonald, yard owner at Thornhill Stables in East Ayrshire, who is also an Ambassador for Strangles Awareness Week.
Elaine said: “I am over the moon to be receiving the prize but equally proud to be a SAW ambassador. Even when designing our yard 15 years ago we had reduction of the spread of infectious disease in mind, with the construction of a separate quarantine facility. Prevention and biosecurity have been at the forefront of practices put in place on our yard.”
Horse owners are now urged to watch the ‘Never an Isolated Case’ animation produced by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, The Horse Trust and Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES), which highlights how easily Strangles can spread when horses move or mix. Presenting research by the SES network, which has shown links between Strangles outbreaks, not only in different counties, but different countries, the animation shows the many situations in which horse owners can be vigilant to protect their horses.
Lydia Duce, Campaigns Manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, who coordinates SAW, said: “2.8 million is a huge number of equestrians who are now more aware of how to protect their horses from the threat of the infectious disease. As our animation shows, Strangles loves to ‘hitch a ride’ when horses move or mix, and I’d encourage all owners to watch and recognise themselves and the situations that could impact their horse. Because any horse can get Strangles and every person can make a difference.”
For more information and to sign up to become a free Strangles Awareness Week Ambassador please visit: redwings.org.uk/strangles/strangles-awareness-week
The annual gathering, which is particularly important to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, ended on Monday (10th June) in the Cumbrian town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Nine animal charities* - all members of NEWC - sent staff to the Fair to support the protection and wellbeing of horses, and the awards are organised by them to recognise the very best welfare at the event. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the awards, which are sponsored by the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association.
Welfare vet and awards judge Nicola Berryman, who works at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, has been attending the Fair since 2012. She said: “The Fair is a place of extremes for us as vets, and there’s no question that judging Best at Appleby is my favourite part of my role.
“It is an honour to meet the wonderful owners of these well cared for horses and ponies – and of course this year’s mule!
“It’s always a difficult decision to choose the overall Vet’s Champion for the Fair, which the vets select from the Best at Appleby award winners throughout the event on the final day. It was close between a couple of the winners, but we’re thrilled to award it to Traditional Cob Grace and her lovely family The Basfords.
“We first met Grace last year when she scored a little too high on the body condition chart to award a rosette. We hoped to see her again and when her owner Scott brought the six-year-old to the tent on Saturday I was really impressed.
“Grace was rescued by Scott, in foal, from very poor circumstances, and was so filthy he didn’t even know what colour she was! Now it’s clear to see that she’s carefully cared for and adored by him and his whole family.”
The People’s Champion is awarded to Raven and his owners Karl and family, who were awarded a Best at Appleby rosette on Friday after the children spotted the award’s TikTok page and insisted on coming over to find out more! Raven’s posts across all the Best at Appleby social media channels - TikTok, Facebook and Instagram - had over 1500 engagements and reached over 30,000 people!
Nicola said: “Friesian Cross Raven is a really good example of excellent welfare at the Fair. He is in amazing condition and his coat is so silky. We think he looks incredible, and the care given to him is clear to see. He’s a very worthy People’s Champion.”
Best Hoof Health was awarded by leading farrier and educator Dean Bland and Best in Harness was awarded by Master saddler and harness makers Chris Taylor and Laurence Pearman, who give up their time to attend the event as part of the Appleby Horse Project team. The Best in Harness Award is supported by The Society of Master Saddlers who provided a £50 voucher to the winner. The awards are also supported by SPILLERS, who provide horse treats for the deserving winners.
The full list of winners is:
Vet’s Champion Award (chosen by welfare vets from the Best at Appleby winners)
Grace (owners Scott, Conor, Neive and Bobby)
People’s Champion Award (chosen by the public from engagements on the Best at Appleby social media channels)
Raven (owner Karl and family)
Best at Appleby Award
Rising Star Award
Best Hoof Health Award
Wilbur (and farrier Tom Oliver Dyson)
Best in Harness Award
Paddy (owners Liam and Hannah)
Returning Winners Award
Nicola added: “We know there are a range of welfare standards at the Fair, and there have been a lot of conversations at both our Best at Appleby and Engagement tents about the death of the horse at Jubilee Bridge on Wednesday.
“No one is pretending that there aren’t welfare concerns at the event, but there is a lot to celebrate at the Fair as well and that’s what Best at Appleby is about. We’re looking forward to celebrating 10 years of these wonderful awards at next year’s Fair.”
*The nine animal welfare charities working in collaboration on the Appleby Horse Project are RSPCA; Redwings Horse Sanctuary; Blue Cross; World Horse Welfare; Bransby Horses; The British Horse Society; The Donkey Sanctuary; Oak Tree Animals and The Horse Trust.
The charity continues to appeal for information after a horse was worked to death on Wednesday afternoon, the day before the Fair officially began (5th June). The stallion – a three-year-old skewbald trotter, 14hh – collapsed at Jubilee Bridge. CCTV images of the man wanted in connection with the incident are available and anyone with any information is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or police on 101.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Melloy said: “There are a lot of wonderful people and animals at the Fair, who it’s really enjoyable to meet and get to know. You only need look at the Appleby Horse Project’s Best at Appleby Awards, which celebrate horse health, happiness and horsemanship.
“Unfortunately, there is also an element of people who think it’s okay to drive horses to the point of exhaustion, and disappointingly we’ve seen the most serious results of that this week.
“Everyone knows about the horse who died at Jubilee Bridge on Wednesday, but we had a Shetland pony who died in the residential section at the back of the Trade Field on Saturday too, which showed all the signs of exhaustion.
“We believe a lot of overworking was happening at night, though it was not being reported, and we had to deal with the consequences the day after. In the case of the Shetland, we were called to the stallion early in the morning, and suspect he was overworked in the evening.
“A lot of our warnings and interactions were about exhaustion and if the weather had been a little bit hotter we may have been talking about more than these two deaths.”
The RSPCA recorded 438 interventions by their officers during the event; five investigations are ongoing, and nine warnings were issued connected with the Fair.
Six equines, one dog, one puppy, one kitten, one canary cross bird, one wild-caught goldfinch and one wild rabbit are in charity care.
Staff from eight other animal welfare charities* attend the Fair each year, alongside the RSPCA. The experienced and committed team of charity and private practice vets, logistics experts, and enforcement and education officers have been supporting the protection and wellbeing of horses at the Fair for over 20 years. They provide a vet station at Salt Tip Corner where assistance can be sought for any animal that needs it and run the Best at Appleby Awards.
*The nine animal welfare charities working in collaboration on the Appleby Horse Project are RSPCA; Redwings Horse Sanctuary; Blue Cross; World Horse Welfare; Bransby Horses; The British Horse Society; The Donkey Sanctuary; Oak Tree Animals and The Horse Trust.
Since its inception in 1995, The Flicka Foundation has rescued and rehabilitated over 1000 animals and currently cares for over 100 donkeys, horses and ponies at their sanctuary in Cornwall, all of whom have been rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment.
They gained registered charity status in 2007, with the aim of:
Find out more about their work, here: flickafoundation.org.uk
The annual gathering of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which is the biggest in the UK, begins on Thursday (6th June) and runs until Monday (10th June) in the Cumbrian town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Vet Nicola Berryman, who works at Redwings Horse Sanctuary and has been going to the Fair since 2012, said: “There is a hard-to-bust myth within the horse community that watering horses straight after exercise can lead to colic.
“The science says that the risk of this is negligible compared to the risk of not watering a horse that needs it.
“Dehydration poses a huge danger to horses, and we have seen changes, recognising this, in other environments where horses are worked – for example in sport.
“The issue was the biggest to arise at last year’s Fair, along with horses being worked too young or too hard for the conditions.
“We know that there are so many amazing horsemen and women within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and are looking to them to lead the way for others who are less knowledgeable or experienced.”
The project will be promoting the watering message through beer mats at local pubs, posters, and on their Best at Appleby Awards social media accounts. You can also watch Nicola’s video below.
The awards – which are in their 9th year - recognise the very best horse health, happiness and horsemanship at the Fair and are sponsored by the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association.
There are 50 rosettes available to be awarded during the event - including Rising Star rosettes for young people, Returning Winners and special rosettes for Best Trotter, Best Hoof Health, Best in Harness and a Welfare Advocate Award for a social influencer who promotes animal welfare at the Fair.
Best Hoof Health is awarded by leading farrier and educator Dean Bland and Best in Harness is awarded by Master saddler and harness makers Chris Taylor and Laurence Pearman. Chris will also be doing harness demonstrations at the Appleby Horse Project tent on Salt Tip Corner on Friday and Saturday at 3 pm.
Vet Nicola will be judging the awards and said: “The awards are all about celebrating horse owners at the Fair who are putting the welfare of their horse first.
“We’ll choose a Vet’s Champion from our winners on Sunday and will be asking people to vote for their favourite winner to be awarded People’s Choice Champion on our social media.
“To find out more and get involved just search for Best at Appleby on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook.”
The experienced and committed team of charity and private practice vets, logistics experts, enforcement and education officers have been supporting the protection and well-being of horses at the Fair for over 20 years.
The RSPCA is sending 32 people; Redwings Horse Sanctuary is sending eight; Blue Cross is sending seven; World Horse Welfare is sending six; Bransby Horses is sending five; The British Horse Society are sending two; Oak Tree Animals is sending two and The Donkey Sanctuary are sending one. All are members of NEWC.
There will be a vet station at Salt Tip Corner where assistance can be sought for any animal that needs it. The vet station will be staffed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 4 pm.
Anyone who is worried about an animal should approach an RSPCA or police officer or call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or police on 101.
A new report, published and released by Redwings Horse Sanctuary on Thursday 23rd May, says the Animal Welfare Act does not offer recourse or protection for pets or livestock caused to suffer because of firework displays, and the assertion by Ministers that it does is an ‘illusion’.
The largest horse welfare charity in the UK - who have had three equines in their care die because of fireworks set off nearby* - brought together experts in the field of animal welfare and legislation for a roundtable at the end of March (27th).
The group of highly experienced individuals included barristers, veterinary surgeons, police officers, local authority inspectors and animal welfare professionals, all with extensive experience of animal welfare cases and relevant legislation.
With no precedent of the Animal Welfare Act being used in situations where an animal has been killed or injured, the roundtable discussed whether or not the Act could realistically be used to hold someone to account in such cases. The group concluded unanimously that it could not.
1,468 incidents involving horses and fireworks were recorded in the UK between 1st November 2010 and 19th March 2024 (an average of more than 100 a year). These include 49 horse fatalities, 317 horse injuries and 84 people injured during a situation involving horses and fireworks. Incidents are known to be significantly underreported, meaning the true figure will be much higher.** Sixty four percent of cat owners who have witnessed their cat experience fireworks say that their pet expresses at least one sign of stress.*** Forty one percent of dog owners say their dog is afraid of fireworks. That’s over four million dogs.****
Campaigns and Policy Manager at Redwings, Helen Whitelegg, said: “DEFRA ministers have repeatedly pointed to the Animal Welfare Act when the subject has come up, suggesting that it is a possible mechanism for recourse and protection for pets.
“But the roundtable discussion raised multiple reasons why the Animal Welfare Act, while doing a fantastic job of enabling those who neglect or abuse animals to be brought to account, is not designed to apply in situations where someone letting off fireworks inadvertently causes death, injury, illness or trauma to an animal.
“When you hear a barrister with 22 years of experience, who has worked extensively with the Animal Welfare Act, say that he wishes the Act could be used in this way but that it simply can’t, and that it’s like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, you know something needs to change.”
Redwings veterinary surgeon Nic de Brauwere, who has significant experience of working with the Animal Welfare Act and providing written and oral evidence in prosecution cases, agrees that focus needs to be on better regulation of fireworks, not penalising members of the public who inadvertently cause suffering.
“The Animal Welfare Act is a very good piece of legislation, but it wasn’t written to punish people for doing something the law currently endorses, such as holding a fireworks display in their back garden. Displays can not only terrify animals but are often distressing and dangerous for people too. The focus needs to be on the better regulation of fireworks, which are after all explosive devices.”
Helen concludes: “We hope that the publication of this report will mean that ministers will no longer hide behind the illusion that the Animal Welfare Act offers any protection or recourse for those whose pets are caused to suffer because of fireworks.
“Westminster has relied on this response for too long while fireworks continue to cause fear, suffering and even death to so many animals every year, and anxiety, cost and grief to their devastated owners.”
The report can be found on the Redwings Horse Sanctuary website here: Fireworks and the AWA roundtable report.pdf
Anyone concerned about the impact of fireworks on animals is being encouraged to share the report with their own MP and ask that they support calls for a comprehensive review of current fireworks regulations.
**Figures compiled by the British Horse Society.
***Figures released by Cats Protection.
****Figures released by the PDSA.
Kirsty served on the NEWC Board for four years and through her work at the RSPCA over more than 20 years she has been instrumental in bringing justice in some very high profile and significant animal welfare cases.
Kirsty (then Kirsty Hampton) was the lead inspector in one of the biggest horse rescue cases of all time, which took place at Spindle Farm, Amersham in 2008. It was at the time the longest-running animal welfare case in history and involved more than 100 horses and donkeys. It was an incredible example of multiagency working, but it was in a large part thanks to Kirsty’s diligence and commitment that the case was seen through to the end.
As part of her work in the RSPCA Special Operations team, she has also been involved in several high-profile puppy farm cases and was even named in a novel by Peter James last year based on his research around this horrifying trade.
Earlier this year Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal presented Kirsty with the Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum for her tireless services to equine and animal welfare.
NEWC Vice Chair Ruth Court said: ‘Kirsty really was an incredible hero for animal welfare, fighting to see justice done on so many occasions. But even more than her outstanding achievements, which really were extraordinary, we were proud to call her our colleague and our friend. I first met Kirsty as a degree student back when I started lecturing at Moulton College. She was the most wonderful, kind and warm person and a joy to teach and to work alongside. We are all so devasted by this desperately sad news and send our deepest love and best wishes to her family and friends.’
Mark Kennedy, fellow NEWC Director and RSPCA Scientific and Policy Manager said: ‘Kirsty was a true inspiration and hero to me long before I joined the RSPCA, right back when I first heard about the dreadful situation she faced in Amersham. What I experienced of her as a colleague reinforced this in spades. She was a dedicated Inspector who worked tirelessly for all animals, but she especially loved horses, they brought her such happiness, and she was still riding even just a few weeks ago. She was also continuing to fundraise for Cancer Research and checking up on how her latest cases were progressing with the RSPCA because that is just the kind of incredible person that she was. She will be desperately missed.’
Kirsty passed away on Sunday 21st April after a long illness. She is survived by her husband and two children.
