More mistreated horses than ever need our help

We follow one horse's story from rescue to recovery

 

26.09.11

The number of calls we receive about abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys is set to rise for the third year running.

The difficult economic climate and series of long, cold winters have made horse ownership harder and more expensive than ever.

As a result, an increasing number of horses scarred by neglect and ill-treatment need our specialist help.

The rise in calls

• In 2009 we received 630 calls regarding abandoned equines.
   
• This increased to 662 calls in 2010.
   
• And this year we have already received 420 calls as at the end of July.  

Giving horses and ponies the chance of a better life 

The number of horses rehomed by us rose from 32 in 2006 to 156 in 2010.

RSPCA equine rehoming officer, Sally Learoyd, said:

Most of the horses brought in by RSPCA inspectors have been starved and neglected, and many aren't used to human contact because they have never been handled properly or been treated with kindness.

The RSPCA runs equine centres where specialist staff work extremely hard to rehabilitate these neglected and abused horses and ponies and do their best to give them a second chance.

It's a challenge to find space in our centres for all the horses that need our help and it's also very expensive - it costs the RSPCA at least £5,000 to care for, rehabilitate and find a new home for each horse.

 

Horse ownership

Owning and caring for a horse or pony is great fun and immensely rewarding. But it is also a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care, hard work and finances.

Our horses and rehoming pages give expert advice about the needs of horses and ponies and what you need to consider before owning a horse.
 

Saving Polly - the story of a miracle survivor

One of the many horses who have benefitted from our hard work and expertise is four-year-old skewbald Polly.

She was rescued by RSPCA Inspector Sarah Keith after a member of the public spotted a collapsed horse on common land near Hull, East Yorkshire, and rang our 24-hour cruelty line.

Polly was so emaciated, it's a miracle she survived. But thanks to the expert care she received at our Felledge Equine and Animal Centre near Durham, Polly was successfully rehabilitated and rehomed. 

• Read Polly's story in full - Saving Polly by Helen Coen
   
• Listen to the story in our latest podcast episode below:
   

 

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Your support

Every horse we rescue costs us at least £5,000 to care for, rehabilitate and rehome.

With your support we can rescue more horses like Polly. Please donate online.
 

We can't do it without you. Thank you for your support.
 

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