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Owners prioritise horse care over themselves, survey shows
Ninety per cent had experienced price increases in horse care.
Almost 50 per cent cut their own costs to spend on horse care.

A survey of horse owners, keepers and equine organisations has revealed the effects of the cost of living crisis on the community.

The survey, organised by World Horse Welfare through National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), asked over 8,000 people questions about horse care costs.

The results revealed that 20 per cent of horse owners taking the survey were facing difficult decisions such as selling, sharing or euthanising their horse due to rising costs. Of all respondents, 90 per cent had experienced price increases in feed, forage and veterinary care.

The data also showed that nearly 20 per cent of respondents had cut expenditures on horse care, and almost 50 per cent had cut costs in areas of their lives to pay for horse care.

Carolyn Madgwick, chair of NEWC, said: “The high number of responses to the survey – more than 8,000 – shows how important this issue is for many people and the findings indicate that the impact of these financially challenging times is being felt across the whole of the UK.

“Sadly, the situation is only going to worsen with the interest rate increase announced last week, which is sure to have a huge impact on a lot of owners.”

A second survey of 36 equine welfare establishments found that 50 per cent of centres would be minimising the number of equines they admit and implement stricter selection criteria on those they do accept, with just under 25 per cent saying they would stop taking equines altogether.

Carolyn Madgwick described this as a ‘deeply worrying time’ for its members, as horse owners cut down on routine preventative healthcare practices.

She said: “We’ll be monitoring the situation closely over the coming months and devising ways to provide targeted advice and support where possible. Follow-up surveys are planned for later this year to assess the continued impact of living costs on horses, their owners and welfare establishments.”

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.