Animal welfare charities are observing an increase in horses being given up by owners struggling with the rising costs of care. The Blue Cross in Burford, Oxfordshire, reports taking in between 20 and 30 horses each month.
Across the UK, the charity has experienced a "160% surge in relinquished horses in recent years". Admissions coordinator Freya Long noted an increase in requests, attributing it to the cost of living and dry weather leading to hay shortages and more expensive food.
Vicki Alford, horse centre manager, stated that people are contacting the charity because they can no longer afford to look after their horses. Essential costs extend beyond feed to include veterinary care, vaccinations, worming, and farrier visits.
The RSPCA's 2025 research indicated a shift in the equine crisis from abandonment to broader welfare issues, exacerbated by increased living costs. The Blue Cross encourages owners to seek help before financial difficulties impact their animals' welfare, stating, "Please come to us. We are here to help and we will not judge."