At HorseWorld we believe every horse deserves to have a meaningful life free from pain and suffering which is why we specialise in the rehabilitation of severely abused and neglected horses.
Fully funded by the generous donations of our supporters, we rescue the feral and the fearful and work with them over time to rehabilitate and retrain them so that they fulfil their potential. Our ultimate aim is to give them a second chance at a meaningful life, whether that is working with students on our Discovery programme, going on loan to one of our rehoming families, or living at our sanctuary in Bristol being role models to other abused and neglected horses when they arrive with us.
Specialist rehabilitation care takes longer and requires considerably more expertise than can be found elsewhere which is why we focus on fewer, more ‘in need’ horses at our 180-acre farm in South Bristol.
In 2024, we saw an increase in the number of horses surrended by their owners who could no longer afford to keep them. The number of horses abandoned also increased. We continue to work closely with the RSPCA and other welfare organisations to support with rescues and removals even if the equines don't end up coming to HorseWorld. This is essential to help reduce abuse and neglectin the long-term. In particular, we work with with RSPCA, Redwings and World Horse Welfare on the management of horses on sites where there are large herds at risk due to irresponsible breeding.
“In many of the calls we’ve had from horse owners, especially in the last 12 months, we’ve heard how they have been struggling to make ends meet for some time. It’s rarely one thing in isolation which has caused them to reach out to us for help. We’ve repeatedly heard from owners for whom the rising costs of everyday life have had a massive impact on what was already a very tight budget; it just takes one thing to go wrong, or for one unforeseen cost or illness, and they’re desperate.
Since 2014 we have been involved in a number of cases involving very large numbers of equines at one site. For example, in 2021 we saw an exceptional peak of identifying over 600 equines being potentially at risk; caused by one case involving over 300 ponies, 2 cases involving over 70 horses, as well as a number of other large groups.”
There has been a significant increase in the number of welfare concerns reported to us – up by an alarming 93% on 2023. This surge isn’t isolated to us; welfare organisations across the country are all seeing the same worrying trend. In 2024 alone, over 6,000 equines were identified as being at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment across the UK.
Sadly, the demand for our services continues to rise, and the cases we face are becoming more complex and challenging. Behind every number is a horse, pony, or donkey in need of urgent help, and a team working tirelessly to respond. Whenever possible, we provide welfare advice and support over the phone to guide owners and prevent suffering. But in more serious situations, our welfare officers must visit in person to assess and address the concern first-hand.
Every call matters. Every visit can change or even save a life. If you would like to report a welfare concern, please click here.
“Through almost all of 2024 we have been over capacity, but in an emergency it’s impossible to say ‘no’ to the ones in the most urgent, desperate need. So many need us, but ultimately we just don’t have the funds or resources to help them all.”
One of the problems we’ve been facing is that we’ve been involved in large-scale cases often involving feral and unhandled ponies. When we take these ponies in, their rehabilitation programme can be exceptionally lengthy and require intensive care and training. This means that valuable resources including staff time, space in our isolation unit, and funding, are tied up for many months caring for these often deeply traumatised equines, rather than being directed toward taking in new rescues. Our welfare team have also stated how we are seeing a huge increase in the number of rescued horses suffering from metabolic issues. These horses often have complex veterinary requirements and their conditions will require long-term care which place a further drain on our already very limited resources.
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At HorseWorld, our commitment to improving equine welfare extends far beyond the horses in our care. Alongside our hands-on rescue and rehabilitation work, we are proud to collaborate with leading institutions such as Hartpury University to share knowledge and support scientific studies that advance understanding of equine behaviour, health, and wellbeing. By combining practical experience with research-led insights, we aim to influence lasting, positive change across the wider equine community, ensuring that every horse, pony, and donkey has the chance to live a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life.
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Stay informed with HorseWorld’s trusted horse welfare advice - your go-to resource for evidence-based insights, expert studies, and practical tips on responsible horse care and management. Whether you’re a horse owner, carer, or equine professional, discover how to give every horse the best possible life.
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