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Hay Crisis: Horses Face Abandonment Risk
21 Jan
Summary
- Hay costs have doubled, with bales rising from £4.50 to £10.
- A charity reports a rise in owners surrendering horses due to cost.
- Increased horse abuse and abandonment is feared due to feeding costs.
The escalating cost of hay, which has reportedly doubled to around £10 per bale from £4.50, is creating a crisis for horse owners. This significant price increase is forcing many into desperate situations, with a rise in horses being signed over to charities. HorseWorld, a charity based in Bristol, has seen the percentage of rescued horses surrendered by owners unable to afford their upkeep rise from 53% in 2024 to 67% in 2025.
Jo Coombs, CEO of HorseWorld, expressed grave concerns about the welfare of horses. She fears that without affordable feed, more animals will suffer from abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Coombs emphasized that the charity is there for horses in need, but anticipates an increase in such cases due to financial pressures on owners.
