HorseWorld struggles with an increase in welfare reports during cost of living crisis

HorseWorld is currently caring for more than 100 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys - many of whom have come to us after cases of neglect, abandonment, or multi-agency welfare rescues.

Sadly, demand for rescue spaces continues to grow as the cost of living crisis places increasing pressure on owners and animal welfare services. Our dedicated team are now planning essential upgrades to our facilities to ensure we can continue to provide a safe space for every horse, pony and donkey that needs us.

“Our HorseWorld herd is currently at capacity and the calls keep coming in asking for our help,” explained our Head of Equine Welfare, Sarah Hollister.

“The economic climate has left many horse owners struggling to pay general care and feed bills and HorseWorld have seen an increase in abandoned and neglected animals. Many of the cases we are asked to help with are large numbers of animals are abandoned at the same time.”

In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of unhandled and feral horses. In these situations, time is often of the essence and the ability to be able to handle these terrified equines quickly and with the least amount of stress is paramount.

To meet the demand, we are planning to renovate our hospital isolation unit to include a bespoke holding pen which will allow feral horses to be treated in a safe environment for both horses and the HorseWorld team, whilst showing respect and consideration for the horse. This facility will allow the welfare team to provide emergency veterinary care in a safe and low-stress environment while ensuring strict biosecurity measures to protect the wider herd.

“We prefer our new arrivals to become accustomed to being handled before they need veterinary examination, but on occasions we need to urgently intervene to provide emergency treatment soon after arrival,” said Sarah. 

“We need the equipment to be both effective and efficient in our treatment of these bewildered animals.

“The system we are planning to install will mean they can receive the necessary treatment quickly and calmly allowing them to move to another area of the farm to continue their rehabilitation once their quarantine period is over. This will prevent the whole system from becoming ‘bed blocked’ which reduces our intake capacity.”

You can find out more about this project and donate at: www.horseworld.org.uk/feral