Young horse driven to the point of exhaustion highlights peak in cruelty cases
The case of Prince, who was rescued in June, is one of an increased number of equine cruelty cases
The story of a two-year-old driven to the point of exhaustion and in need of vet care has been released by the RSPCA to highlight the rise in cruelty cases in summer.
Prince was rescued from the northwest area in June and taken in by the charity, which has launched a “Cruelty hurts, love rescues” campaign in response to a seasonal surge in calls to its cruelty line.
“One such horse is Prince, a two-year-old colt who was rescued by the RSPCA after he was driven pulling a cart to the point he was exhausted,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “He was also found to have poorly fitted shoes that caused him discomfort, and sores under his tail which needed veterinary attention.”
The spokesperson said Prince was nervous when he arrived at the RSPCA rehoming centre but is now doing better. He was treated for wounds including a “particularly nasty” one under his tail and others from badly fitting tack on the rest of his body.
“We think he has had a negative experience when being shod as he is terrified of the farrier, his feet were very long and his shoes were incorrectly fitted when he was seized so more farriery work will be needed,” she said.
Prince is to be gelded and once his rehabilitation is complete, he will be looking for his forever home.
Increased reports
The spokesperson said that the charity has had a 69% increase in reports of cruelty to horses in summer in the past three years; in June, July and August 2025, a total of 164 calls were made about deliberate cruelty to horses. During the same period in 2023, there were 97 such calls.
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RSPCA inspector Christine Styles, who leads the charity’s equine officers, said: “It’s incredibly alarming that we are seeing such rising reports of cruelty, especially the rise in deliberate cruelty to horses. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for us to be called by worried people who have seen horses being beaten, whipped or subjected to harsh and aversive training methods. Horses are sensitive animals and it’s always incredibly tough for us to investigate acts of deliberate cruelty.
“The summer months are our busiest times of year and our frontline rescue teams, specialist vets, behaviourists, rehabilitation and rehoming teams, will be working tirelessly to help as many animals as possible.
“Today, in response to the crisis, we have launched our ‘Cruelty hurts, love rescues’ campaign to highlight this shocking trend and the work we are doing to save so many animals from horrific abuse and suffering.”
Ms Styles said the driver of this summer peak in cruelty reports, especially to horses, is unknown.
Inexperience or outdated methods?
“It could be inexperienced owners, or those using outdated methods or becoming frustrated with young or large horses,” she said. “In addition, the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence during the summer.
“Sadly this year we expect the upward trend will continue, and we know we will continue to be called about horses in need of our help. Our equine centres and private boarding stables are full with hundreds of equines; many of these horses, ponies and donkeys are affected physically and mentally by aggressive treatment, trauma and prolonged neglect. Our dedicated equine team is here to help transform their lives so they can find love and happiness in a new home.
“We rely on the public to help us and together we can turn this season of cruelty into one of love, kindness and rescue for animals that need it the most. We’re so grateful to anyone choosing to donate.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.