The RSPCA has launched a campaign to deal with the number of horses being abandoned and neglected.
Worrying increase
While rehoming rates have doubled, the number of horses rescued by the charity has almost tripled. For every one of the 900 horses in its care, there are seven more waiting for a place.
“Over the past five years there has been a marked and very worrying increase of equine neglect and abuse,” said RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde.“This is witnessed on a daily basis by frontline staff.
“In 2009 we were removing, on average, two horses a day. What is most shocking is that we are now removing on average, five horses a day.”
Homes for horses
The Homes for Horses campaign was launched to encourage more people to consider adopting a rescue horse or pony, which vary from Shetlands and Shires to foals and schoolmasters.
“Even though we are rehoming record numbers of horses and ponies we are rescuing more and more each day and still have hundreds looking for fantastic new owners,” said Abigail Moon, the RSPCA’s rehoming operations manager.
One horse needing a new home is piebald yearling Magpie who was at death’s door when he was found collapsed in a field, emaciated and riddled with lice and worms. It took the RSPCA six months of intensive care to nurse him back to health.
Fun riding pony
There is also a stunning three-year-old part-bred Arab, who was rescued with 31 other horses suffering from severe malnutrition.
“The best thing about Olive is her kind but spirited nature,” said Steph Hill, a groom at RSPCA Lockwood Centre. “I believe she will make a fantastic, fun riding pony and would build an amazing bond with her adopter and bring them years of happiness.”
Longest resident
One horse called Faith has been waiting for a home for more than a decade. The trotter X Thoroughbred is the longest RSCPA resident, having come to the charity 13 years ago.
“It took a little while for her personality to shine through but once she built up a bond with us she’s a really affectionate horse and loves being stroked,” said Sheila Vernon, manager of RSPCA Ashley Heath in Ringwood, Hants.