The term “equine crisis” gained popularity in 2021 to describe the pressure faced by animal welfare charities regarding the amount of equines in the UK requiring intervention. The crisis has been associated with the overpopulation of horses, widespread neglect, and abandonment. Recent research suggests that while the original crisis has eased, equine welfare remains a pressing concern, just in a different form.
A Changing Landscape
The Equine Crisis Research Report, commissioned by the RSPCA and conducted by experts from the University of Bristol, Human Behaviour Change for Life, and University College Dublin, takes a fresh look at the equine sector in England and Wales. The findings reveal a complex web of issues that extend beyond simple overpopulation.
Instead of mass abandonment, the modern crisis is now characterised by:
- A surplus of certain types of horses (such as ex-racehorses) and a shortage of safe, well-schooled leisure horses.
- A growing population of owners lacking fundamental horse care knowledge.
- Rising costs making horse ownership increasingly difficult.
- Limited access to turnout, socialisation, and natural behaviours for many horses.
What’s Driving This Crisis?
The research identified several key factors influencing equine welfare today:
✅ Knowledge Gaps – Many owners lack hands-on experience, resulting in unintentional neglect.
✅ Changing Management Practices – More horses are kept in stables with restricted turnout, which can lead to behavioural and health issues.
✅ Economic Pressures – The cost-of-living crisis, rising feed and vet bills, and land shortages make responsible horse ownership more challenging.
✅ Shifting Social Perceptions – Public scrutiny of equestrian sports and changing attitudes towards horse use could impact the industry’s future.
What Needs to Change?
The report outlines several key areas for improvement, including:
📌 Education & Practical Training – More opportunities for hands-on learning, ensuring new owners have the skills needed to meet their horses’ needs.
📌 Better Equine Identification & Tracking – Strengthening policies to ensure horses can be traced through their lifetime, reducing instances of abandonment.
📌 Sustainable Horse Management – Encouraging better turnout opportunities and prioritising horse-friendly environments.
📌 A Shift in Breeding Practices – Focusing on demand-driven breeding to reduce unwanted horses.
The Future of Equine Welfare
Today’s equine welfare issues are more complex than the severe abandonment crisis of the past. However, they still need immediate attention. Addressing these issues requires a focus on education, greater owner accountability, and a shift towards more horse-friendly management practices.
Now is the perfect moment to become involved with these concerns if you own a horse, are considering purchasing one, or are simply enthusiastic about equine welfare. Responsible, knowledgeable care and a dedication to giving horses the life they deserve are essential for the future of equine welfare.
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