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Latest cost of living survey ‘worrying’ for horse owners
One respondent sacrificed food, heating and diesel to keep their horse
Eighty-one per cent were concerned about rising costs.

The National Equine Welfare Council has published the results of its survey, which investigated the effect of rising living costs on horse ownership.

It says that the survey, which was completed by over 6,000 horse owners in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, reveals a ‘worrying’ picture for horse keeping.

Eighty-one per cent of respondents expressed concern about the continued pressure that increased costs were putting on their finances. Meanwhile 39 per cent said that rising costs had a medium or high impact on their ability to keep their horse – meaning they had to make additional sacrifices to provide basic care.

The rising costs were spread across different elements of horse care, with 80 per cent reporting an increase in veterinary fees, 65 per cent in farrier services and 62 per cent in insurance costs.

This has led to 20 per cent of horse owners taking on an additional job, or increased hours to cover their horse’s care. Significantly, two per cent were considering giving their horse up to a charity due to the pressures and five per cent were considering euthanasing their animal.

An anonymous respondent said that they were unable to cover out-of-hours veterinary care, stabling or regular farrier visits. Another respondent said they couldn’t afford to keep their horse in work, and had therefore retired it to a field.

Despite the rising costs, horse 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, concerns about climate change and bad weather also featured in the free comment section of the survey.

Horse owners were concerned about how bad weather affected grazing, and the corresponding turnout challenges.

Rebecca Boulert, education officer at World Horse Welfare, 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.”

The full survey can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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...
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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.