The number of horse being rehomed has almost doubled in the last year, according toWorld Horse Welfare.
Freak year
In 2013 the charity rehomed 160 equines, but already this year 250 of their rescued residents have found new homes.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see so many of our horses going to new homes and confirms that we are getting through to people – that they really do see rehoming a horse as a safe and viable option,” said World Horse Welfare’s deputy chief executive Tony Tyler.
Despite the good news, there are more horses than ever needing homes. In 2013 World Horse Welfare experienced what it called a ‘freak year’ when it took in 76 percent more horses than in 2012.
Special measure
The charity is still receiving large numbers of horses into their four rescue and rehoming centres, with a rise in the number of group rescues. A recent case involved taking 63 horses into one farm.
As a result they have had to take “special measures” to ensure they can deal with the multiple admissions, needing urgent care.
One such case was a large herd found inside a rundown barn, which has been sectioned off into small, dangerous spaces. The horses only had dirty water to drink and were standing on mud and faeces, which was almost knee deep.
Perfect Pumpkin
Many of the ponies had serious health issues and had to be put to sleep, but one fortunate pony called Pumpkin made a successful recovery and has since been rehomed as a companion.
“We needed a buddy for our Thoroughbred who hates being left on his own and we always liked the idea of giving a home to somebody that needed one,” said new owner Sarah Hosford. “We wanted someone who was quite hardy and didn’t mind living out in the field. When we found Pumpkin she was perfect.”
“It’s just so nice to know that we have been able to give her a safe home after what she has been through.My two girls, 10 and 12, love to plait her mane and groom her. She fits right in with our family.”