Well-respected judge and former showing producer Stuart Hollings on costs, the new HOYS in-hand format and surprise judges

There was a great atmosphere at last month’s North of England Spring Show, despite no one knowing how the showing season will pan out due to the global fuel crisis.

The situation will undoubtedly affect some more than others, particularly those who don’t have an oil rig or money tree in their garden.

Gill Thompson, in her recent column, was heartened to see strong classes there. But was this simply because some exhibitors were on a mission to obtain early Royal International (RIHS) tickets, allowing them to compete closer to home further down the line?

When I first started competing from a small riding school behind our garden wall, I would hack five miles to the Ribble Valley Riding Club shows. Although this would save on fuel costs, somehow, I cannot see hacking being a viable option nowadays!

A more practical alternative could be to organise a lift with a fellow competitor when travelling further afield, like car sharing. In a similar vein, I’m surprised that we do not witness more syndicate ownership in showing as in racing.

One family based in the far north is debating whether to give RIHS a miss if fuel costs increase substantially or whether to go all in and make it their annual holiday.

A negative consideration, though, is that one of their judges is not on the appropriate panel. This is becoming something of a trend, and I worry what sort of message it sends out to the showing world when our established panel judges are bypassed. Something to think about.

Ringing the changes

I am shocked to hear that the recent Nottinghamshire County show was no longer a direct qualifier for the Price Family in-hand final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). It was one of nine shows that held qualifying rounds when the competition began in 1965.

The 1959 and 1960 Wembley show pony champion, Arden Tittle Tattle, qualified as a broodmare there and finished second at the 1965 final to the hunter mare Prince’s Grace, who’d qualified at Three Counties.

Interestingly, the new format at the final in October, where all 20 finalists will be pre-judged as one class in the TopSpec Arena before going forward to the Andrews Bowen International Arena for final judging and presentation, is almost a return to the competition’s historical roots.

It wasn’t until the early 1970s that the finalists were split into pony and horse sections. Then, for many years afterwards, competitors enjoyed the full package: preliminary judging followed by final judging in the afternoon in the main ring, with the championship in the evening performance.

Having all the finalists in the main arena on the Saturday for final presentations will certainly showcase this amazing competition, but combining the two classes might be considered a retrograde step too far. Let’s see.

Raising a laugh

How we miss the humorous showing cartoons created by the late Janet Jenkinson, particularly her bespoke illustrations that captured treasured moments and made ideal presents.

One such occasion was when I led the foal of Culross Maid Of Honour, who won the pony section of the 1992 Wembley in-hand final, as my brother Nigel and I had produced her to head the 13.2hh ridden show pony class there six years earlier.

My favourite television advert is the one for Specsavers hearing tests, in which the caretaker of a remote outpost who radioed a request for “supplies”, opens the delivered parcel and a clown jumps out instead, shouting “Surprise!”

I’m sure Janet would have had us smiling by drawing a cartoon to address this season’s hot topic – that the HOYS judges will not be announced until the evening before the classes – by depicting the mystery judges revealing themselves at HOYS in this way!

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When considering how much it costs to keep a horse, it’s important to realise that the ongoing care costs will go way beyond the initial outlay associated with buying a horse. These costs are continuous and should be realistically assessed before you decide to take on the responsibility for a horse of your own.

In my experience, once you’ve calculated what you believe to be a realistic budget, you should add on a buffer – prices always go up and there will undoubtedly be things you haven’t accounted for in your initial budget. I am now spending more than double what I originally budgeted for my horse’s monthly costs before I bought him 10 years ago – and I do everything I can to save money on horse costs. He doesn’t want for anything, but there are certainly no nice-to-have extras.

I’ll share the regular costs of keeping a horse, so that you can step into the wonderful world of horse ownership as prepared as possible for what you’re about to take on. Where the costs vary significantly, I’ll offer some considerations I wish I’d better understood before I bought my first horse. All prices quoted are approximate and based on prices at the time of publishing (March 2026) – spoiler alert: it’s a small fortune, but worth every penny.

I’ll cover the costs of:

• Livery
• Feed and forage
• Bedding
• Insurance
• Farriery
• Regular healthcare

Costs of livery

The costs of livery can vary wildly because there is a full spectrum of options from DIY grass livery (your horse lives in a field without a stable, and you look after it yourself) all the way up to full competition livery with all-singing-and-dancing facilities that includes training, competing, tack cleaning (you name it, they do it).

However, there are also variations depending on your location, similar to buying or renting a house. I moved from Berkshire to Nottinghamshire and got more facilities for my money, but there are parts of the country that are both far more expensive and cheaper than these.

Unfortunately, there are also major differences in livery pricing between lowest and highest prices for the same offering and similar facilities, which can make budgeting more difficult.

It’s hard to put a figure on it as costs vary so wildly, but according to the latest BETA survey (2023), owners spent an average of £257 per month on livery or £129 per month on grazing. Bear in mind, it’s possible to spend an awful lot more and costs will have risen since the survey due to the ever-increasing cost of living and raises to the minimum wage.

When choosing a livery yard, look at as many different yards in your local area as possible and work out what your priorities are – this will help you compare your options and weigh up what’s best. If you choose a DIY yard, don’t forget, if you’re on holiday or need assistance, you’ll need to pay someone to look after your horse, too, unless you can share the work with friends.

Unless you’re in the lucky position of being able to keep your horse at home, livery charges will be one of the largest regular monthly costs of owning a horse. And even if you can keep it at home, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s free.

Cost of feeding a horse

Similar to livery, the costs of feeding a horse are certainly not “one size fits all”. You might have a good-doer, which generally means your costs will be lower, but once you start adding things, such as a joint supplement, which they might need as they age, for example, the costs start to add up.

If you have a horse who struggles to hold weight or needs a specialist diet for any reason, then be prepared for much higher monthly costs. Similarly, feeding competition horses is usually more expensive.

Remember, it’s not just what’s in the bucket that will cost you. Hay, haylage and other types of forage are the foundation of your horse’s diet and likely to account for much of the monthly expense. You can save money on hay by buying in bulk, for example, but I would suggest that you should be prepared to spend at least £50–60 per month on hay for an average sized horse, although again, this varies with location and quality.

The quality of your grazing and the amount of turnout your horse gets, will affect how much forage you need to feed. Despite my horse having 24/7 turnout year round, I still feed hay throughout the year as there is not enough grass – this suits me as he’s a good-doer and it means I can easily monitor his weight, but it would be very expensive to manage a horse that struggles to maintain weight in this way.

There are ways to save money on horse feed and budget wisely, but feed and forage are essential costs that you can’t really cut corners with to ensure your horse gets the nutrition he needs.

Cost of bedding

Stabled horses will need bedding and you may also want rubber stable mats as they make it possible to use less bedding, as well as providing a comfortable and non-slip surface. Straw is the cheapest type of horse bedding, but it’s not typically not suitable for horses with respiratory problems and some horses will eat it.

In the long term, rubber mats combined with a more expensive bedding, such as shavings or wood pellets, can prove more economical, but the initial investment is considerably more.

Some horses are particularly wet and dirty, which will inevitably mean you use more bedding. If you’re in a position to deep litter, then this could reduce your costs, although this needs to be carefully managed to avoid negative impacts on your horse’s health.

Be prepared to use a minimum of one bale of shavings a week, which would cost around £10 per bale (although this varies with quality and your location). Good quality rubber mats will cost around £40 each, and you’d typically need six for a 12x12ft stable.

Cost of insurance

Following legal cases that have ruled that owners can be held responsible for any damage caused by their horses, all horse owners should be insured for third-party/public liability. One way to do this is to become a BHS Gold Member at £105 a year, which provides up to £30million of cover.

Horse insurance to cover death, straying, theft, vets fees and more is not mandatory, but many horse owners opt for it for peace of mind as costs can quickly escalate. You may also wish to take out rider insurance or tack insurance, which will add to the premium. Insuring high-value horses is more expensive, as is insuring horses that compete, while you can get specialist policies to insure veteran horses, which should prevent you paying for aspects you don’t need.

The cost of insurance varies a lot depending on what exactly you want to cover, but there are ways to save money on horse insurance. I would suggest budgeting at least £100 per month for a ridden horse, but get quotes before you buy your horse – the same as you would if you were buying a car – and be prepared that they may well be higher.

Costs of farriery

This is likely to be your largest cost after livery, feed and bedding is accounted for, especially if your horse is shod all round. Trimming a barefoot horse may cost around £30–40, while front shoes may cost £60–70 and a full set £90–100. If your horse needs remedial shoeing then it is likely to be a lot more.

Due to variation across the country, I would suggest using these numbers as a guide to compare the costs of different shoeing options. I know even within my local area, it’s possible to be paying up to £150 for a full set – and on average a horse is likely to need new shoes, or a trim, every four to six weeks.

Costs of regular healthcare

While you’ll inevitably encounter some vet fees over your horse’s lifetime, these are not regular occurrences. Instead, I’ll run through the costs you can expect to pay as part of the maintenance care for your horse.

Vaccinations

It’s recommended that your horse receives an annual equine flu vaccination, plus tetanus every other year, and the flu vaccination is mandatory if you’re competing. You can find more information about what’s required in our guide to equine vaccinations, but I would suggest putting aside £100 a year to cover the vaccinations and call-out fee.

Dentistry

Horses need a visit from an equine dental technician or vet who practices dentistry every six to 12 months, depending on their age and oral health. If your horse can be done without sedation and needs no additional treatment, you might be looking at around £50–60 a visit, but this will increase with sedation and any further treatment.

Physio

Regular maintenance sessions with a physical therapist can keep your horse moving freely and feeling their best. Costs will likely depend on the therapist’s qualifications as there are a wide range of therapies available, but you should be prepared to spend at least £50 a session. Your horse might only need seeing once every three months, but if your practitioner needs to work a specific issue this could be more frequent.

Saddle fitting

It’s recommended that your horse’s saddle is checked for fit at least every six months as their shape can change throughout the year. Depending on how the saddle fitter structures their costs and whether they include visit fees, this could cost anything from £40–100 depending on where you live, whether you’re part of a group visit, and whether you’re booked on an initial assessment or follow-up visit. Adjustments to your saddle are likely to be additional.

Worming

The most cost-effective worming programme is a “targeted” plan, which uses worm egg counts (around £10 per horse) and worming only if the results suggest it’s necessary. It’s recommended to perform a worm egg count test every 12 weeks, and a saliva test for tapeworm every six months.

Annual worming packs that include everything you need delivered to your door cost £6–10 per month, depending on your package.

How much does it cost to keep a horse: total costs

The costs I’ve covered so far are simply the basics – further significant costs to be considered are tack, rugs (plus washing and repairs) and grooming products, before you even start on transport or training.

Below is an example of what the basics costs to keep a horse on DIY livery might be. Of course, for you some things may be less and others more, so do some research in your local area and add up the numbers.

Costs such as dentistry aren’t paid monthly, but I prefer to put the money aside each month so that when vaccinations and a dentist visit land in the same month as my farriery appointment, it’s not a problem because the cost is already accounted for. I also find this a clearer way to understand whether I can afford to take on a new ongoing expense.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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I don’t have to tell you that keeping horses is an expensive hobby; you already know! From farriery and veterinary needs to physio and feed, the bills are frequent and many-figured – and we all want to save money on these costs. On the subject of feed, 2025’s low hay yield squeezed many owners’ fodder budgets, but is it possible to save money on horse feed? “Yes”, is the short answer, but you should ensure you save with care and without compromising on quality.

Keen to discover more? We asked equine nutrition experts and industry specialists for their top tips on how to save money on horse feed. Find out how it’s possible below.

How to spend less on horse feed

As Jade Bensted, customer experience and advocacy manager at NAF, says, smart feeding is about meeting needs, not filling buckets.

“When every ingredient has a purpose, every scoop truly counts,” she says.

With this in mind, here are five ways to help you save money on feed…

1. Feed by weight, not by scoop

Scoops are convenient, but rarely accurate.

“Feeds vary widely in density,” continues Jade. “So, a scoop can weigh far more or less than expected.

“Over time, small overfeeds soon add up in both condition and cost.”

Jade says that weighing feeds not only ensures consistency and avoids wasted nutrition, but it can also highlight when a horse is being fed below recommended levels of a compound feed.

“In these cases, supplements play a valuable role, helping to fill nutritional gaps. As supplements are designed to deliver precise levels of key nutrients, feeding the correct amount ensures your horse gets the intended benefits and keeps the ration balanced.”

She adds that feed should be kept in sealed containers and out of direct sunlight so your horse can keep feeling the full nutritional benefits.

2. Feed your forage effectively

According to Vanessa Allen, nutritional content manager at Spillers, around 30% of forage can end up on the muck heap.

“If your horse is one to trash his bedding, haynets and slow feeders can help stop your forage mixing in,” she says.

She also recommends weighing out forage before feeding – you can do this easily with a luggage weigher (like this one on Amazon).

“It may seem like an extra chore, but it could really help you reduce waste and be more consistent with how much your horse really needs. This is especially true of good-doers.”

3. Keep the feed size manageable

Remember to keep the weight of your horse’s meals under the equivalent of 0.5kg per 100kg of bodyweight, which would equate to 2.5kg for a 500kg horse. You’ll need to weigh your horse first.

“Overfeeding results in your horse not being able to digest everything that is in the bucket, leading to an expensive muck heap, or worse, digestive upset,” says Baileys senior nutritionist, Emma Short.

Additionally, consider the amount of chaff or chop that is added to your horse’s compound feed. “A small amount is ideal for encouraging efficient chewing, but if your horse is a good fibre eater and gets ad lib forage, they may not need the extra fibre provided by additional chaff,” continues Emma.

“Conversely, poor fibre eaters may benefit from additional alternative fibre sources such as a chaff or a partial or full hay replacer fed alongside their forage as ‘haynets in buckets’. This encourages natural foraging behaviour and an overall increase in fibre intake.

“A healthy fibre intake not only supplies calories but also ensures healthy gut function and improved digestive efficiency so that the horse can make the most of the rest of the diet.”

4. Streamline your feed bucket

Vanessa says that now is an ideal time to re-evaluate your horse’s bucket ration and seek advice.

“We often come across owners who add a bit of this and a splash of that to their horse’s bucket,” she comments. “All these added extras can add up to a very expensive meal.

“Nutrition specialists like ours can help you simplify your horse’s ration to ensure you make savings while still achieving a balanced diet. You might achieve this with all-in-one feed balancers, for example, or by feeding a chaff that includes vitamins and minerals alongside a smaller hard feed ration.

“You’ll still meet your horse’s needs, just in a more budget-friendly way.”

5. Don’t compromise on excellence in nutrition

Dr Marga Mas-Fiol MRCVS, D&H’s head of veterinary equine health and performance, advises that working out your feed bag’s cost per day will help you track your bill accurately.

She says it can be tempting to consider feeding cheaper alternatives in order to spend less on horse feed.

“However, it is important to remember that these feeds may not fulfil your horse’s nutritional requirements,” she continues. “This can result in you needing to feed more, or needing to spend more on additional supplements to compensate.

She adds that understanding your horse’s nutritional needs against the ingredients in the feed will help you to make more informed choices.

“Most feed brands have free nutritional helplines with experts at the end of the phone to help you come to the right decision for your horse.

“In addition to ensuring that your horse is being fed on quality ingredients, it is also worth looking deeper than just the price of your bag. Feed tends to come in sizes anywhere between 15–25kg with the smaller sizes appearing to offer better value for money.

“However, this isn’t always the case. With the higher-cost feeds, you often feed less and deliver the same, if not better, nutritional benefits.”

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Do you feel like you can’t afford to keep your horse? Or perhaps you know someone in this situation? Online searches for “putting horses down for financial reasons” has increased by 133% in the last year, so the sad reality is that there are many people in this situation.

Many kinds of hardship – joblessness, the cost of living crisis or unexpected vet bills – could leave horse owners struggling financially. Saving money on horse costs can help to a point, but extreme financial pressures can leave owners facing painful decisions, such as feeding themselves and their family or their horse.

“More owners are reaching out for help and advice, especially as rising hay prices and bedding costs are being passed on to the consumer and the average price of livery increases,” explains Amanda Berry, head of equine operations at HAPPA.

Although she reports that the cost of living is having a “huge impact” on owners’ circumstances, Amanda adds that calls to HAPPA cite other personal difficulties, too.

“We are currently receiving a higher-than-average number of calls and emails from owners wanting to relinquish ownership. Ill health is the top factor, whether their own or a family member’s, rather than financial difficulties.

“Divorce and redundancy are also contributory factors for owners reaching out for help.”

Anne Whitehorn, welfare operations manager at Redwings, says the charity receives between 25 and 30 requests to take in horses a month.

“Priority for our very limited sanctuary spaces is given to those who need our specialist care, so sadly Redwings is unable to offer homes on request,” she said. “However, we are available to talk through owners’ circumstances and signpost options as best we can.”

Can I get financial support?

Unfortunately, there is no fund available for owners in financial hardship, says Fran Windle, UK support officer at World Horse Welfare.

“Although we cannot directly contribute financial support, our advice line is available in office hours on 01953 497238,” explains Fran. “Our friendly team will happily discuss a situation and offer advice and guidance to anyone struggling to care for their horses.

“Owners can also request a call from one of our team using the form available on our Help for Horse Owners page.”

Anne adds that advice for horse owners struggling financially is available from Redwings’ welfare line.

“We offer a non-judgemental ear that people often say is a great help in itself. Anyone wishing to call Redwings’ welfare line can do so on 01508 481008 or 01508 505246. Or, send us an email at welfare@redwings.co.uk.”

Will a charity take my horse on?

Amanda adds that charities’ limited resources mean they cannot take every horse on, and must prioritise cases in which the Animal Welfare Act 2006 is enforced.

“Charities that belong to the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) each have their own intake criteria,” she explains. “It is worth contacting each one individually and finding out if they have room.”

She recommends seeking advice from an equine charity.

“For those who want to relinquish ownership of an ex-racehorse, it is worth contacting Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). They provide funding for vulnerable thoroughbreds who began in the racing industry.

“HAPPA is a registered RoR centre, and can assist anyone who wants to rehome an ex-racehorse.”

Additionally, she suggests Horses 4 Homes, which facilitates the safe rehoming of equines.

“It aims to safely and effectively rehome and loan horses via its online listing and application platform.”

Fran echoes Amanda’s advice.

“World Horse Welfare and other charities will be very happy to provide advice and support,” she tells H&H.

“The Blue Cross Home Direct Scheme can help owners find new homes for horses if they are no longer able to care for them.”

How can I rehome my horse?

Horse owners struggling financially might consider loaning out their horse.

“When rehoming privately, ensure that it is undertaken responsibly and is done with a written agreement in place to identify both parties’ responsibilities,” says Amanda.

“Remember that as the lawful owner, you have a secondary responsibility to ensure a duty of care. Ensure that you keep in touch with the loanee and can visit to evidence that the horse is cared for responsibly.

“Also consider they might ask you to take the horse back at short notice.”

The charities advise owners who wish to sell or give away their horse to consider the risks.

Amanda advises that a horse with a job is much easier to rehome.

“For a horse that has a value and is in work, or is field sound and able to be a companion, then the option to sell on the open market is a sensible choice,” she says.

When it comes to giving horses away, Fran advises extreme caution.

“Be very mindful that as soon as the horse is out of your care, you have no control over their future wellbeing,” she warns. “We would always advise researching any potential new home very carefully – especially for a non-ridden horse.”

She says if a situation sounds too good to be true, alarm bells should ring.

What if my horse is elderly, sick or injured?

Owners in financial hardship might experience the devastating situation in which their old or ill horse’s specialist care is far beyond their means.

Difficult as it might be to think about, Fran says that euthanasia may be better for some horses than an uncertain fate.

“Sadly, we see too many cases where horses who can’t be ridden are passed along until they end up in a really poor situation.”

Anne shares these sentiments. “If the horse is older and has underlying health conditions, then euthanasia might be the best choice to make for them.

“Sometimes owners need reassurance from someone else that euthanasia may be the most appropriate choice for their horse. Hearing this from us can help relieve some of the pressure they feel when considering this as the kindest option.”

The BHS Friends At The End scheme offers support horse owners when it is time to say goodbye to their beloved equine companion. They provide free, confidential support to horse owners, carers, sharers, and loaners before, during and after the death or loss of a horse so that you don’t have to go through it alone.

Equine advice and support lines for horse owners

If you’re currently struggling to cover the costs of your horse’s care, then there is advice and support available to help you decide the right steps for you and your horse at this time.

• BHS Friends At The End – 02476 840517
• Blue Cross care team – 0300 790 9903
• HAPPA – 01282 455992
• Mare and Foal Sanctuary – 01626 355969
• Retraining of Racehorses helpline – 01488 648998
• Redwings welfare line – 01508 481008
• World Horse Welfare advice line – 01953 497238

For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Making small changes to the way equestrian land and property are managed could benefit the environment, horse welfare – and owners’ bank balances.

This is the message emerging across the industry as riders who keep horses on livery as well as those who have their own facilities are urged to consider more sustainable practices.

Ruth Griffin of sustainability consultants White Griffin, which works extensively in the horse world, told H&H she thinks the word “sustainability” has been “lost in translation over years of people politicising it, or activists making it unsavoury, or scientists making it confusing”.

“I’m super-passionate about this: it is not confusing,” she said. “This is just, how do we change the way we do things so we can keep doing them? That’s really all it is. And the great news is for horse owners – with one exception, transportation – we have all the solutions.

“We just need to do them. We just need to tool ourselves up and educate ourselves a bit and then we can do it, we can be resilient, we can save money, we can protect horse welfare and ultimately protect the environment, because it’s all there. We’ve just got to do it.”

One of those helping people take action is Sian Constantine of Hoof & Habitat, which educates on sustainable keeping of horses.

“What I’m trying to do is improve horse welfare while improving the environment,” Ms Constantine told H&H. “They’re highly synergistic; horses evolved to graze in diverse ecosystems and when stocking density and management are appropriate, both horses and land benefit. From a welfare perspective, this creates a more species-appropriate environment, viewed through the five domains model, and it improves forage quality and nutritional diversity by bringing pasture nearer what horses would naturally forage from.”

Ms Constantine explained that greater plant diversity benefits horses and the land.

A mix of species improves soil structure and ground cover, reducing bare patches and often increasing nutritional value. Having different root depths helps stabilise and protect the soil, so grazing is more resilient to extreme weather. Increased plant diversity supports greater diversity of soil organisms, improving water storage and nutrient cycling, which supports healthier pasture.

“Healthier soil is better able to cope with heavy rain and drought, while protecting forage quality,” she said. “And it benefits the wider environment, as biologically active soils can store more water and more carbon.

“Over time, improved soil and pasture health can reduce reliance on inputs such as herbicides, pesticides, repeated overseeding, mechanical aeration and remedial groundworks, potentially saving time and money.”

Ecological consultant Laura Hobbs founded Switch Equine to support horse welfare-based land regeneration.

“I’ve been working with a lot of farmers to maximise the value of their land and its economic value, but make something that’s actually useful for them as well,” she told H&H. “We can still produce food, still meet the fundamental aims of what they want that land for, but also deliver multiple benefits.

“I’ve always had horses as well, and I got a bit frustrated, having my own horse on a livery yard and seeing it wasn’t meeting what we could be doing from an environmental point of view, and not serving his needs either, so we bought a smallholding, to show you can do things differently.

“I’ve got a background in evolution, behavioral biology and done a lot of training, such as Sue Dyson’s pain recognition research and in nutrition, so I’m trying to bring that all together to show we can manage our horses in a better way that improves the environment and is fundamental to improving our horses’ lives as well.”

Money is tight but Ms Hobbs stressed that sustainability can help here too.

“It’ll save you money,” she said. “When we manage in a better way, we create land that will be resilient.

“A lot of people are really struggling with the cost of hay, not having any hay. But our neighbours say our grass is looking really good. That’s because we’ve changed management so we can have better quality, more productive land, and it’s more resilient to that drought. That means we can have higher hay yields, more forage; we can feed our horses from our own land.”

Ms Hobbs said soil is a living organism, which has to be nurtured.

“Studies have shown that on average, for every 1% increase in soil organic matter, in soil biological activity, we can store an additional 20,000 gallons of water per acre,” she said.

“That’s a massive number. That means water’s stored in the soil, so we can be more resilient to flooding and drought. And it affects communities too; if we change our management, we could save the village down the road from being flooded every winter.”

She said the key in keeping land resilient is not overgrazing it, which is not about space or numbers but about giving it time to recover. If horses return to bite off the same tuft of grass before it has regrown, the plant will use all nutrients for growth, leading to shallower roots, a negative impact on the soil and a “downward spiral” overall.

Ms Hobbs has four horses on five acres. She separates this into smaller areas and moves the horses frequently, so each part has time to fully recover.

“Getting started is the hard part,” she said. “But once you get started and into this sort of system, you get that upward spiral; land starts recovering so much quicker, so you can get back on and graze it sooner. If you’re constrained on land, have a sacrificial area, a track system or yard to put horses on, so we can rest that land when we need to, we can be a bit more adaptive and flexible.

“Just splitting the field and letting it have longer to recover will go a long way.”

Changing mindsets

Ms Hobbs knows it is harder for livery clients, but said she believes many yard owners are starting to change their thinking, and that the first step is to have the conversation, with which Ms Dancer agrees, although she has heard from many yard owners who want to make changes but are unsure whether clients will agree.

“The livery yard owners wanting to make a change and the liveries wanting things to be different may not be at the same yards but I think that the common problem is just a fear of talking about it, a fear of saying anything to do with the environment,” she said.

“People might complain you’re woke or might make fun of you or a lot of the time, people think they don’t know enough about the environment to talk about it, so they shouldn’t say anything at all,” she continued. “But the minute you start talking to people about what good environmental practice looks like, they say, ‘That makes sense,’ or, ‘I do that already,’ or, ‘I could do that.’

“We’ve got to start talking in everyday language. And the most important part of that sentence is we’ve got to start talking.”

Ms Dancer also agrees that money need not be a barrier, and the right changes can help. Investing in a rainwater harvesting system would be expensive but saves on water bills in the long run. But if such a system is too expensive, just diverting gutters into butts for soaking hay or washing can make big savings.

“My mantra is, if sustainability is costing you money, you’re not doing it properly,” she said. “Sustainability should be about being less wasteful, more resilient and resourceful.

“Teach your team not to leave the tap running or leave the lights on; not to be wasteful. I’ve worked with businesses that have saved tens of thousands without spending a penny, just by changing your mindset.

Harnessing the change

“My biggest concern is that the way climate is changing, the soil is degrading, it’s getting more difficult to grow crops; we need to embed resilience into everything we do. And that’s about working with the climate we’re now getting.

“If we’re going to get warmer, wetter winters, let’s gather that rainwater and use it. If we’re going to get hotter, dry summers, if you can put solar in and harness the changes, it will make us more resilient, and save us money in the long run.

“It’s about not being influenced by external factors, and being able to manage your own yard and your own estate in a way that works for you. It’s about recognising that things are changing, and will change, and we have to create practices that will make us resilient to that.

“For such a long time, we’ve always just had whatever we want, when we want, and that’s not what the future looks like now. The smartest people are going to look at the situation, prepare for it and slowly make changes. If you do it now, start putting the rainwater harvesting in, change systems and processes, start saving money, in five years’ time, you will be very grateful.

“You’ll have created a business that works for you, and when others are struggling and won’t be able to keep horses. It is that serious, you won’t be able to get what you need.

“I think that’s the mindset everyone needs to be in – not survival mode from one day to the next, but what can I do in the long term that will mean that I can continue to have horses. That’s what sustainability is.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

New eco-friendly turnout rug made from 110 plastic bottles

Going green – the steps you can take to manage your grazing land more sustainably

Equestrians must act as ‘guardians of the landscape’ to reduce environmental impact

‘It’s our responsibility’: how equestrian professionals are striving to be more environmentally sustainable

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Saving money on horse costs is something we’re all thinking about at the moment – and it can be really stressful. Horses are expensive and you don’t need me to tell you that. The cost of keeping a horse is more than ever, and making sure we can provide for our horses’ needs is at the top of every owner’s priority list.

I’ve pulled together a range of money-saving ideas for horse owners – some are small, whereas others are big changes to daily life – however, not all will be applicable or possible for every owner as each horse and situation is different. Instead, I hope they might be food for thought and maybe spark an idea that will help you.

How to save money on horse costs and bills

1. Track your spending

Record what you’re spending. This might feel daunting or overwhelming, but it will help you understand where the majority of your horse’s expenses are. You can then focus on cutting costs in manageable areas.

I find it really helpful to allocate my horse an “allowance” each month. When I get paid, he gets this allowance in a separate account or saving pot, which means that no matter how poorly I budget in other areas of my life, he never goes without. But it also helps me track and manage his costs.

His personal monthly budget covers all his essential costs throughout the year, from livery and hay costs to dentist visits and insurance, so I never have that panicky feeling when vaccinations are due, for example – the money is already there. Some months he’ll have surplus – for example, if there’s no farrier visit – but I know that will roll over and be used when he’s due for something else. It all evens out in the end and I never feel like I’m spending extra because his allowance costs me the same each month.

2. Review your feeding

The majority of horses manage well on a forage-based diet and, if necessary, one broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement, feed balancer or fibre-based complete feed. Your vet or an equine nutritionist can advise whether or not your horse needs additional feed or supplements and how you might be able to save money on feed.

If your horse has extra needs, a nutritional helpline (which is free) will be able to advise you where you might be able to cut costs. A few years ago, I sought this advice and went from using a feed balancer and a joint supplement, to a senior balancer that already contained the joint support – and although the senior balancer is more expensive per bag, it works out less over time.

There are, of course, lots of things to consider when changing your horse’s feed and for another horse the answer might have been to forgo the balancer and feed a chopped fibre with an added supplement. Every horse has their own requirements, and different products will provide varying levels of active ingredients, which is why it’s best to seek nutritional advice specific to your horse.

3. Reduce wastage

If your horse tends to waste its forage, then make sure you are only feeding as much as they are likely to eat, while not leaving them without any forage at all for long periods as this carries a risk of causing gastric ulcers. Also consider whether feeding the forage in a small-holed haynet or slow feeder would save you more money in the long run. Check out more tips for saving money on hay.

4. Save money on livery and daily horse care

Consider whether you really need everything you’re paying for at your livery yard. If you are paying for someone else to provide all or part of your horse’s day-to-day care, you may be able to reduce costs if you were able to do more yourself, even on a temporary basis. However, if this means you visiting the stables more frequently than you do now, make sure you consider the cost and time involved with this extra journey.

If your yard allows, share daily jobs, such as turning out, with your fellow liveries.

Ask about flexible livery packages – for example, would your yard allow your horse to live out full time during the summer at a cheaper rate, then be stabled during the winter? If you think your horse would do well on permanent turnout, it could be worth looking around for a suitable grass livery or renting a field, but consider how you would ensure your horse’s needs were met if you were taken ill.

Also consider whether you need all the facilities offered by your yard (horsewalker, arena, etc), or would a yard with fewer facilities be sufficient? Either way, keep an eye out for added extras. Understandably, most yards charge extra for using the horsewalker, solarium or lights in the arena, for example, to cover the costs of the electricity. As these charges can add up, make sure you keep track of what you’re spending so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise when your livery bill arrives.

5. Shop smart and buy in bulk

Shopping around for hay and bedding, and buying directly from a local farmer rather than through an equestrian retailer, can be a good penny saver. In particular, buying hay directly off the field after it has been baled (you will have to be able to collect it) can result in major savings.

Wormers are another item where you can save by buying in bulk, although it’s vital that you worm count first – which could save you even more money if the test shows your horse doesn’t need de-worming after all.

Research the different types of horse bedding on the market and shop around as it may be cheaper to buy in bulk direct from the supplier if you have room to store it, rather than as and when you need it via your local feed merchant.

And while fitting rubber matting requires a significant initial financial investment, it can pay for itself in reduced bedding costs over time.

6. Save money on professional care

While we absolutely do not want to promote scrimping on your horse’s care – these professionals are essential to your horse’s wellbeing – there are some ways you can do this for less to save money on horse costs.

Organise communal visits and ask for discounts. Some veterinary practices offer free yard visits to a particular area on specific days for routine tasks, such as vaccinations. Even if you can’t benefit from a free call-out, teaming up with other owners for routine appointments, including the vet, farrier, physio and equine dental technician, can typically save you a fair amount of cash.

7. Check in with professionals about your options

For example, investigate shoeing options with your farrier; you may find your horse doesn’t need to have a full set of shoes all year round. And if there is not much wear on the shoes, your farrier may be able to refit them rather than replace them. You may also be able to go an extra week between appointments at certain times of year.

But remember that money saved in the short term by switching to use a cheaper farrier, or regularly extending the periods between shoeing visits, may be short-sighted, so a little extra spent each time could save you a lot in the long run if you avoid vet bills resulting from poor hoof balance.

8. Save money on lessons

Whether you travel to your trainer’s yard for lessons or have your trainer come to you, by having a shared or group lesson you can keep the cost down, which may allow you to train more frequently. Having a riding ‘buddy’ also means you can be ‘eyes-on-the-ground’ for each other, helping you both to progress in between training sessions.

If you currently see your trainer routinely but need to save money on training, ask if you could replace every other in-person training session with either a remote training session if you have the necessary kit or a virtual session. This usually involves supplying a video of you doing a pre-agreed exercise or movement and then the trainer gives feedback via a phone or video call that you can use to improve the performance before your next in-person session. During the pandemic many trainers diversified to offer these types of training and they may be a cheaper way to keep your riding on track.

9. Competition expenses

If you want to continue to pursue your competition ambitions, but need to cut costs, discuss with your trainer which are the most important competitions to target and spend the time in between training to increase your chance of success when you do compete.

10. Transport costs

Transport can be a major cost for competitive horse owners. If you have a friend who is competing in the same discipline or at a similar level, you might consider sharing the running costs of a lorry between you.

Another alternative is to choose a livery yard that holds regular competitions. Although the livery rate is likely to be higher at these types of yards, you will save yourself time, running costs and fuel, which all adds up.

If you don’t compete frequently, but own your own lorry or trailer, sit down and work out whether hiring transport would save you money in the long-run.

11. Spend less on kit

For those of us who love to shop and ensure our horses have the best of everything, working out ways to save money on kit will make a big difference.

Share equipment where possible. There is little point in investing in items that you might use only occasionally, such as a portable hot horse shower, have a chat with your friends to see if you can club together and have shared use of the equipment. Make sure you agree who is responsible for the cost of repairs and maintenance beforehand to avoid problems later on.

If you have room to store it, stock up on hay and bedding in the summer. Not only will you be prepared, but you’re very likely to save money. Just make sure you check the quality of the forage, especially if you are buying hay from the previous year’s crop.

Keep an eye out for sales, both online and in your local tack shop, as buying winter rugs during the summer and fly rugs in the autumn will also give you the chance to save – but only buy what you are confident you are going to need, rather than simply expanding you horse’s wardrobe because an item appears to be an unmissable bargain. We cover the big sales and shout out which deals are actually worth it – you can find these at Horse & Hound deals or by following us on social media.

12. Sell surplus kit

If you have tack and equipment you no longer need, there are a number of ways of finding it a new home and earning a bit of extra cash. You can sell your unwanted horse kit online on eBay or Vinted, via social media, through ads in your local tack shop, by attending a horsey car boot/table top sale or by listing things on a board at your livery yard.

Whichever route you choose, we recommend you either do transactions face-to-face for cash or using a protected payment system like Paypal for extra protection.

13. Make what you’ve got last longer

Spending time caring for your existing tack and cleaning your riding boots will help them to last longer, reducing the likelihood of anything needing to be replaced.

We’ve put together some guides on washing rugs at home, reproofing turnout rugs and repairing rugs yourself to help you save money here, too.

It’s also worth mentioning that old quote “buy cheap, buy twice”, but more expensive does not always mean better. To help you make the best buying decisions, check out our buying guides.

Tips for managing your money

1. Know what you’re dealing with. Sit down and perform a monthly budgeting exercise each month. Be honest and realistic with yourself and include all expenditure that will occur. Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk and moneysavingexpert.com for advice on how to pull together a monthly budget.

2. Face your debts. List all your debts and create an action plan of how/when you are going to repay these. Find good advice on dealing with debt at direct.gov.uk, nationaldebtline.co.uk and citizensadvice.co.uk

3. Consolidate accumulated debts where possible. Look for good rates of interest, especially on credit cards – there are always 0% balance transfer deals around, although check if there is a one-off charge. A number of sites can help you compare credit cards, including gocompare.com, moneysupermarket.com and comparethemarket.com

4. Struggle to limit your spending on credit cards? Lower your credit limit at the first possible chance.

5. It sounds obvious, but strive to save as much as you can where possible. As a guide, try to have a minimum of at least one month’s salary in reserve. This will help plan for the future and ensure you have a cash reserve in an emergency – for example with an unexpected vet’s bill or lorry breakdown.

6. Review your insurance policies. Are you really prepared/able to make that one-off payment should an accident occur? Consider whether it would be wiser to have a reduced excess and pay slightly more each month.

If you find that you are still struggling, we’ve collated some advice on what to do if you can no longer afford to keep your horse.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Advice for horse owners who are really struggling financially – where to find helpful information if you can’t make ends meet

8 ways to reduce your hay bill this winter

How ‘eyes on the ground’ can help with your training and save you money

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Good rugs last for years, but knowing how to repair horse rugs can be invaluable – especially if your horse is one of those “rug wreckers”.

You can, of course, send your rugs off to a professional rug wash and repair person, but if you can’t manage without it for a few days or want to save money and reduce your horse bills, you can try to repair them yourself. And if you’re feeling thrifty, you can wash your rugs at home and reproof rugs yourself, too.

How to repair ripped rugs

How to approach a rug repair depends on the extent of the damage done. You can use these methods on all turnout rugs, but also fly rugs, summer sheets and exercise sheets.

How to deal with large rips

One method is simply to sew a waterproof patch over the damaged area. You’ll need a specialist upholstery needle and thread (like these on Amazon) to cope with the tough fabric, or an industrial sewing machine. You can buy waterproof fabric (like this on Amazon) in the colour you want, or you may have an old rug at home that is beyond repair that can be cut up to patch up the newer one.

• Spread the rug out on a large table or the floor so that it can lay completely flat and give you the best chance of making a neat job.
• Sew neatly along the rip – back stitch will hold best if you can manage it.
• Seal it with a strong waterproof glue, such Gorilla glue (also on Amazon). You could also use glue to seal a patch in place.

How to repair small rips

For small nicks and rips, you can get specialist rug repair kits, such as the Stormsure Repair Kit (available on Amazon). These patches (either self-adhesive or with glue) do the job well and prevent the rips from extending further.

If the patches are too small for the rip, try tent repair tape (like this), which can be rolled out as long as you need it, or a tent repair kit (like this one). These typically come in a range of colours.

How to repair broken straps and buckles

A rug repairer may be the best option for dealing with broken straps and missing buckles if you have the time to wait. But if you are up for a challenge, this is when that old, battered rug that you’ve been holding onto comes into its own. You can reuse the buckles and clips on your newer rug if anything breaks.

If the broken straps are not removable, you will need to cut them off first, noting how they are fixed so that you can copy this. Replace them, using heavy-duty webbing (available on Amazon), copying the original fixture. You will need an industrial sewing maching or a very strong specialist upholstery kit to tackle the thick fabrics.

For a quick fix to a broken leg strap buckle, you can buy new carabiner clips (like these ones) or specialist buckles (like these) to attach the strap. Duct-tape over the old broken clip so that it won’t catch anywhere.

Another emergency fix is to use baler twine as a fillet string under the horse’s tail instead of the crossover leg straps. Make sure you remove any trailing straps that cannot be fixed.

In a perfect world, our horses’ rugs would never tear, break – or get muddy – but with a few simple tricks and a bit of patience, you can make them last as long as they were intended to.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested to read…

Which rug should I put on my horse? H&H’s helpful guide to help you decide

How to wash your horse’s rugs at home – and what’s best to use

How to reproof your turnout rugs at home – and help them stay waterproof for longer

Types of rugs – your horse’s full wardrobe explained

A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse owners are reminded that there is confidential, non-judgemental advice available, as a “dangerously underweight” rescued colt highlights the “desperate situation” many horses and owners are in.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has shared the story of two-year-old Arab Bourbon, who was found in a “barren” field in Cornwall this year, very underweight and showing signs of prolonged poor health.

“Bourbon was in a desperate situation,” said senior field officer Leah Brock.

“The field was overgrazed, with no real grass for him to eat. He was extremely thin, and we suspected there were underlying health conditions that needed urgent, specialist investigation.

“Despite how he must have felt, he was calm throughout and took everything in his stride. When he arrived at the sanctuary we were all shocked that he just walked quietly off the lorry.”

Bourbon was signed into the care of the charity, which started a specialised recovery plan. Investigations showed liver issues were preventing weight gain; these have been treated and tests are ongoing on other veterinary issues.

The youngster’s story is the focus of the Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Christmas appeal; the charity highlighted the RSPCA’s Horse Sense report, which found most horses in England and Wales do not have a good life, highlighting lack of owner knowledge and turnout among the key factors.

“The Mare and Foal Sanctuary provides confidential, non‑judgemental advice to anyone struggling with their horse or pony,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “The charity believes most owners want to do the right thing, but may be facing financial pressures, health challenges or gaps in their knowledge. Wherever possible, the sanctuary’s welfare team works alongside owners to find solutions that keep horses safe and well.

“But combined with increasingly unpredictable weather and grazing conditions, it fears that this winter could push more owners and horses into crisis.

“This December, as many families make difficult choices about heating and food, equine charities are also bracing for a surge in welfare concerns. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is asking the public to support its work so that horses like Bourbon can be given specialist care they need to survive and recover, before it is too late.”

Bourbon is now living in a herd, “experiencing freedom, proper grazing and specialist care”.

But the charity’s Dawn Vincent said that as winter kicks in, there will be many horses like him who still need help.

“We are deeply grateful to our supporters, because without them we simply could not respond to these emergencies,” she said. “Their generosity has given Bourbon a second chance and a safe, loving home this Christmas, but there are many more still in need. Without our supporters, more lives would be lost, and more animals would continue to suffer.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Advice for horse owners who are really struggling financially – where to find helpful information if you can’t make ends meet

Lack of turnout and owner knowledge mean ‘most horses’ do not get what they need

‘Heartbreaking to see him so afraid’ but foal dumped at six weeks old learns to trust thanks to positive reinforcement training

Owners urged to act before horse welfare is compromised: elderly pony dumped in ‘unrelenting pain’ highlights growing UK problem

‘Something special about him’: obese pony dumped with headcollar embedded in his face embarks on new happy life

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s Cyber Monday, which means its your last chance to grab those deals you’ve been eyeing up all weekend. Many big retailers and brands, such as LeMieux, Ariat, Naylors are still running their Black Friday sales and Amazon, have added new discounts today. Whether you’re treating yourself, stocking up on Christmas gifts or bagging some deals on your much-loved everyday essentials, Cyber Monday is sure to help.

The team and I have been covering the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for years, so we know a great deal from a dud. We will be spending a large amount of our time looking at all the deals and discounts available, and working out whether they’re actually worth it to save you time and money. We’ll also highlight deals on the products we have personally tried, tested and loved. We’ll be looking for savings on everything from the best riding robes and wellington boots to Harlow White merch and Christmas gifts.

Quick links to our favourite sales

• Amazon: All Amazon deals in one place
• LeMieux: Black Friday sale
• Naylors Equestrian: Extra 20% off when you purchase 3+ sale items
• Muck Boot Company: Black Friday sale – up to 50% off
• Redpost Equestrian: Early Black Friday deals
• Equus: Black Friday sale
• GS Equestrian: Black Friday sale
• Decathlon: Horse riding deals
• Ariat: Black Friday bargains
• Walmart (US only): BF deals launch 14 Nov
• Chewy (US only): Horse deals

Best Cyber Monday equestrian deals

Jump to:

• Editor’s picks
• Clothing and footwear deals
• Horse care deals
• Deals on tech and electronics
• Competing deals from other sites
• Kids clothing and footwear deals
• Equestrian gifts

Editor’s top deals for Cyber Monday

Equestrian clothing and footwear Cyber Monday deals

Horse care deals 

Tech and electrical deals for equestrians

Kids clothing and footwear

Equestrian gifts

More Black Friday deals on now

• Viovet: Black Friday
• Schöffel: Black Friday deals
• Wahl: Up to 25% off Lister horse clippers Use code ‘BLACK FRIDAY’
• YuMove: Black Friday supplement deals
• Harry Hall: Black Friday sale – up to 65% off
• Bareback footwear: Black Friday sale
• Aviform: Early Black Friday treat – 10% off with ‘BF10’
• Toggi: Outlet
• Equetech: Outlet sale
• Equestrian Stockholm: Black week – up to 50% off
• Rydale: Black Friday sale – up to 50% off
• Equisafety: Outlet sale
• Kramer: Sale
• Sealskinz: Black Friday – up to 50% off
• Weatherbeeta: Sale
• Reolink: Early Black Friday deals
• Hope Valley Saddlery: Sale
• RB Equestrian: Sale
• Cathedral Equine: Free reins with any bridle over £100
• Blue Chip Feed: Buy two feed products and get 40% off the lowest priced item
• Lite My Ride: 7 days of deals 
• Supreme Products: Black Friday deals
• Glaze and Gordon: Outlet sale
• Simply Steam Hay Steamers: 20% off with ‘Blackfriday2025’
• Equidry: Up to 30% off
• Aster bits: 25% off

When is Cyber Monday 2025?

This year Cyber Monday falls on Monday 1 December.

How we find the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday equestrian deals

We cover several sale events each year (such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day) and all the deals we share with you are found by members of the Horse & Hound team. This year, that includes me (Franchesca Slack), Georgia Guerin and Bethany Stone.

We are all riders and horse owners, and between us we have 27 years of experience writing about equestrian products for websites and magazines. Using our knowledge of the industry and popular brands that you love, we go on the hunt for the best deals – there’s no AI or guesswork here.

Where can I find the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday equestrian sales?

Many online equestrian retailers are running special offers in the run up to Black Friday, throughout the weekend and on Cyber Monday (Monday 1 December). We will be updating this page with the very best deals we can find, so rather than searching the internet to find the best bargains, come to us as we will have done the hard work for you.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday equestrian deals on Amazon

Amazon is one of the online kings of Black Friday, with fabulous discounts on offer. While you may not immediately think of Amazon for equestrian kit and clothing, it has a surprisingly extensive range so this could be an opportunity to grab some real bargains, particularly on supplements, outdoor clothing and equestrian electricals (such as stable cameras, head torches or solar lights).

Some really great products can actually be hard to find on Amazon – especially if they’re not equestrian specific, which also means they’re likely to be cheaper – and if you don’t know where to look, you might never find them. Luckily, we spend a lot of time tracking these products down on Amazon as part of our day-to-day work, so we’ll make sure you don’t miss out.

When Amazon kicks off its Black Friday deals for 2025 we will include the information here. In the meantime, here is a link to Amazon’s equestrian page.

Black Friday 2025 at your local tack shop

Of course the other option, that we would always support, is to shop local. A lot of local tack shops will be getting into the spirit of things with discounts of their own so why not pop by? While these Black Friday horse offers might not always be as big as those by the big online retailers, it does give you the opportunity to support a local business and take advantage of the fitting service and expertise that you can’t get from retailers located on the other side of a computer screen.

What is Black Friday?

For consumers and retailers in the UK, Black Friday is a recent phenomenon, but it has been going strong the United States for decades.

Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving and is traditionally seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season, with high street retailers opening their doors at the crack of dawn and offering big discounts for shoppers who have set their alarm clocks.

The rise of internet shopping has allowed the Black Friday tradition to spread throughout the world, and it hasn’t passed the equestrian world by either. From your local tack shop to massive online retailers, there will be great discounts to be had.

You may also be interested in:

This Black Friday deal is the best I’ve seen all year on a long LeMieux riding coat

8 deals for horse owners that we think Martin Lewis would approve of

Black Friday deals on solar-powered ‘no-WiFi’ cameras for yards and stables

Best horse riding robes: 5 popular brands, tested and reviewed

8 things that all Harlow White fans will have on their Christmas list

59 great gifts for the horse obsessed

70 great gift ideas for pony-mad children

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

While rug technology has come a long way in recent years, the waterproof properties will inevitably deteriorate with time and wear, and being able to reproof horse rugs at home could save you a bit of money, too. Firstly because you may be able to save on sending them off to a professional, but it will also delay the need to buy new rug (although we’ve rounded up the best turnout rugs if you do).

Water-repellency won’t last forever. Over time, the original factory-applied water-repellency will wear off, but you shouldn’t throw your rugs away at this point, as you can clean them thoroughly and then re-add water-repellency, while maintaining breathability. If you’re feeling positively thrifty, here is our complete guide on how to reproof horse rugs…

How are rugs waterproofed?

The outer material of a rug is chosen because it is naturally durable, water-repellent and tightly woven together. It usually has another water-repellent coating applied to the outside, which is what makes the water bead up and roll off.

A waterproof membrane is then bonded to the inside of the fabric, which is what stops water getting through if it passes the outer protection. A good membrane not only stops water coming through but allows water vapour to exit, which is what makes the material breathable. How waterproof the rug remains, both initially and over time, depends a great deal on the quality of this membrane. While you can reapply the outer protection (following our instructions below), you cannot reapply this inner membrane.

The next step is seam sealing. When panels of fabric are stitched together it creates tiny holes that need to be sealed, so these are taped and heat sealed.

How waterproof a rug – or indeed a riding coat – is, can be measured by a hydrostatic pressure test and most manufacturers will list the result, for example, waterproof to 4,000mm.

There’s a common misconception that the less denier a rug has, the less waterproof it is – but this is not the case. Denier relates to how strong the fabric is, rather than how waterproof.

How to reproof horse rugs

1. Start with a clean rug

Cleaning is important when it comes to keeping your rugs in the best possible condition, but it also means that when you apply a waterproofing product, it can bond well to the rug as there isn’t dirt in the way. You can send it off to be done professionally, but you can also wash rugs at home.

Using the proper care products (such as Nikwax Rug Wash) and methods is important if you want to retain the waterproof properties. Many rug manufacturers provide cleaning instructions for each individual rug, and you should stick to these instructions as conventional detergents leave behind residues that harm water-repellency.

Some manufacturers recommend washing your rugs in a specially designed wash bag (like this one on Amazon), which can help to prevent the breakage of any straps, pockets, and buckles that are attached to the rug.

Never use fabric softener, as it strips off the waterproof coating applied to the material, and deteriorates the rug’s breathability, water-repellency, and wicking capabilities.

2. Use a reproofing spray or wash

There are many water repellent sprays, such as the Lincoln waterproofing aerosol, which will work best on small areas is are ideal for touching up over stitching. This can also be used on clothing.

Reproofing washes, such as Nikwax Rug Proof Wash-in Proofer and Grangers Rug Repel, are specifically formulated for reproofing horse rugs. They can be used in the washing machine, applied when washing by hand or applied with a sponge if you’re just doing small areas.

Professional rug cleaners recommend that you re-waterproof your rugs once each year using equestrian rug waterproofing agents. Alternatively, you can send your rugs to a rug cleaner and waterproofing specialist, where they will treat and repair your rugs for you.

Tips to keep rugs waterproof for longer

• Machine wash synthetic rugs with caution, following the rug manufacturer’s instructions as well as checking the capacity of your washing machine.
• Only use cold water when washing a synthetic rug to help prevent damaging the membrane – you will ruin the waterproofing entirely if you use hot or warm water
• Avoid using detergents or any type of chemical on synthetic waterproof rugs as this can damage the waterproofing membrane.
• Don’t use high pressure when washing your rugs as it will damage the rug pores and will allow water to leak through immediately.
• Never use a harsh bristled brush to scrub the outer denier, you can spike the membrane
• Allow damp or sweaty rugs to dry out as mould will eat away at the membrane over time.
• Avoid leaving rugs in direct sunlight when not in use as UV will eventually affect the lining over a long period of time
• Allow rugs to dry and cool down to room temperature for a few hours before storing.
• Once your rug is ready to be stored, folding them into large laundry bags (like these ones) will help to keep them clean, dry and secure.

How to check a rug is waterproof

The best way to check your rug is still waterproof is to use a sink or large tub, lay the rug over the top and create a small dip – ensure you choose an area of the rug with no fittings. Then pour a glass or two of water into the indent and allow the water to pool. The rug layer should hold the water and not allow any seepage to the inside.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Which rug should I put on my horse? H&H’s helpful guide to help you decide

How to wash your horse’s rugs at home – and what’s best to use

How to make your horse’s rugs last longer with these useful DIY repair tips

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Wondering how to wash horse rugs at home? It’s one thing keeping them dry, but keeping your rugs clean in winter can be difficult, too, especially if you’re relying on an ordinary washing machine. Many owners opt for professional rug laundry services to wash their rugs, which is recommended on an annual basis (and the best time to do this is before you put them away after winter, but we can’t be that organised all the time).

However, if the cost outweighs the effort saved and you want your rug clean immediately, here’s how to wash horse rugs at home – plus, if you’re planning on repairing your rugs, too, it’s worth washing them first.

Can you wash rugs in a washing machine?

Absolutely, if your machine is large enough – just follow these simple steps to protect your machine and your rugs.

1. Check the capacity of your machine

Most rugs can be machine washed at home, but this depends on the capacity of your machine, so you’ll need to check the specification against the weight of rug. Providing the machine is large enough, you’ll need to take a few steps before bunging a hairy, muddy, manure-stained rug into the same machine you wash your own clothes in – not only for your clothes, but to protect your machine.

2. Remove as much hair, dirt and mud as you can

Blast it with the hose, or let it dry out and use a dandy brush and a bit of elbow grease to remove the mud on the outside, while a vacuum cleaner is good for removing the stubborn hair on the inside.

3. Use a wash bag for protection

Put your rug in a large wash bag, such as the LeMieux laundry bag (available on Amazon) or the Horsewear washbag (also on Amazon), to prevent the hooks and buckles from damaging your machine. It also prevents any remaining horsehair from lingering in the machine drum. These can also be used for washing saddle pads, boots and bandages, so are worth the investment.

4. Wash on cool

A 30°C cycle is best for your rugs – and if you’re using a good wash product this should be plenty.

How to wash waterproof turnout rugs

To protect your rug, remove any detergent build-up from your dispenser, and select a gentle delicate cycle. Do not use regular detergent or fabric conditioner as these may compromise the laminate waterproofing of the rug. Instead choose one for washing delicates, or a recommended rug cleaning product, such as Nikwax Rug Wash (available on Amazon), which is designed to clean and restore water repellency.

Hang the rug up to dry, rather than tumble-drying.

There will eventually come a time where your turnout needs reproofing, but you can also waterproof your horse rugs at home – here’s how.

How to wash stable rugs

Winter stable rugs tend to absorb moisture because they are not waterproof, hence they can get smelly. Instead. some owners opt for lightweight turnout rugs, designed to repel moisture, on their horses in the stable.

Stable stains on the “indoor” rug can then be scrubbed off without the lining getting wet. You can vary the warmth with thermal rugs or cotton sheets underneath, which are lightweight and easy to wash in an ordinary machine. This way the horses’ coats stay clean and the top rugs only need washing once at the end of winter.

Often, the whole rug might not need a wash, but one mucky area could do with a good blitz. Most horse owners steer clear of pale rugs for obvious reasons, but for the stable stains that won’t budge, it’s worth trying a stain remover designed for grass stains and so on, such as Vanish (available on Amazon). The best stain removers for horses can do a good job on fabric too.

If your washing machine is too small, or the rest of the family don’t appreciate sharing it with your horse, it might be time to invest in a small power washer. You can find them for well under £100, either in your local DIY store or online (like this one on Amazon). The force of the water blasts off all the mud and dirt, and if you have a few horses on the yard, it will pay for itself quickly. It will come in handy for cleaning stables, too.

Avoid using a pressure washer on your waterproof turnout rugs, however, as it could damage the waterproof fabric.

How to wash summer rugs

Fly rugs and summer sheets are the easiest to wash as they are usually lightweight, making them easier to fit in your machine at home. However, the products we use on horses in summer, particularly if they suffer from sweet itch, can cause these rugs to become oily and dirty quickly.

Summer rugs should be washed in the same way as the other rugs described, using a wash bag (like this one on Amazon) and rug wash (also available on Amazon) to protect your machine while restoring your rugs to their former glory.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in…

Which rug should I put on my horse? H&H’s helpful guide to help you decide

How to reproof your turnout rugs at home – and help them stay waterproof for longer

How to make your horse’s rugs last longer with these useful DIY repair tips

Not sure what rug to put on? An expert reveals how you could teach your horse to choose

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Is dressage facing a crisis? Aside from welfare concerns, falling spectator numbers, shifting competitor habits, and rising organisational costs have forced several shows to close their gates. And it’s not just a British problem – international fixtures, such as Compiègne CDIO, are dropping off the calendar for 2026.

Participation is also shrinking. British Dressage (BD) membership has fallen 2.1% since January, and attendance at flagship events like the LeMieux National Championships has dipped too – prompting Pammy Hutton to lament its “lacklustre atmosphere” in her latest H&H column.

The challenge is working out what’s to blame – how competitions are run, or the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis – and how dressage can reconnect with fans.

Rising overheads are making events harder to sustain

Online, two of the main complaints about the recent nationals were ticket prices – £30 for a day ticket, the same as in 2024, with student discounts and free entry for under-15s – and the limited number of trade stands. But BD chief executive Jason Brautigam says these issues reflect wider post-pandemic pressures across sport and culture.

“Since we moved from Stoneleigh in 2019, inflation alone has gone up by 29.2%, but we have seen our overheads increase by a much greater amount,” he explains. “The cost of hiring temporary grandstands alone has gone up by 300% in just six years.

“It is very expensive to bring in infrastructure onto a greenfield site without permanent facilities, from marquee and stable hire to generators and toilets.

“As a result, the event is now heavily subsidised. We do try to keep the cost of tickets to a minimum to maintain attendance, but we have to finance these facilities for spectators and competitors alike.”

In 2024, the nationals were reported to be running at an average annual loss of around £30,000 – a figure that highlights the uphill battle faced by privately funded or less-subsidised fixtures.

“In an ideal world, we would love to have more trade stands,” Mr Brautigam adds. “But again, the commercial reality is that the nature of the market has changed; there are fewer equestrian retailers now compared to pre-pandemic, and the business model has now changed to one where businesses sell to consumers direct online, rather than by attending events.”

He also pointed to changing spectator habits, with so much equestrian sport now available to watch live or on demand online. Even so, he doesn’t see this as a sign that dressage itself is losing appeal – membership has risen 30% since June 2020, despite a small dip this year, and flagship events like the London International Horse Show continue to draw strong crowds.

But with little prospect of major financial change in the near future, the question is what the sport can do in the meantime to give spectators and competitors better value – and re-ignite their enthusiasm for dressage.

“Freestyle is the one real growth area”

From an entertainment perspective, one of the most transformative innovations in modern dressage has been the freestyle. Originating in the 1980s and introduced to the Olympics at Atlanta in 1996, it was first met with some scepticism – but it’s now the sport’s biggest crowd-puller.

The FEI World Cup series, among the best-attended dressage events on the circuit, centres its competition around the freestyle, with the grand prix serving as a low-stakes qualifier.

Online, the discipline’s most-watched moments are all freestyle tests: Lottie Fry and Glamourdale’s 2022 World Championship-winning ride has more than 2.2 million views on YouTube; Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro’s 2015 world record freestyle from Olympia has 4.7 million (see below); Edward Gal and Totilas’ Windsor test tops 6 million across uploads; and Andreas Helgstrand’s 2006 WEG performance with Blue Hors Matinee has nearly 30 million views.

Freestyle may be the most crowd-pleasing part of dressage, but organisers at the national level are struggling to keep up. Kelly Jewell, who co-runs the freestyle producers Equidance, says many British venues are still relying on CDs to play riders’ music – something she calls “ridiculous, frankly, because it’s unreliable”.

“I’ve been to so many competitions where the CD player won’t work, or the disc skips or is scratched – and most people don’t even have a way to check their CDs play anymore,” she explains. “Everywhere else it’s MP3. The only country that still wants CDs is ours.”

She believes the issue isn’t cost but communication.

“Most systems can plug and play with MP3s or run from a laptop,” she says. “It’s not expensive – we even offer help for free – but there’s a lack of education and no one driving it.”

As part of BD’s designated funds initiative, which reinvests reserves to support the development of the sport in key areas, money is set aside for music system upgrades at venues – suggesting the funding and appetite for progress are there, but perhaps what’s needed now is clearer direction.

“Freestyle is the one real growth area of dressage,” Kelly adds. “Premier Leagues are down, High Profile shows are down, but freestyle is booming. It’s the part of the sport they should be investing in.”

What gymnastics can teach us about the future of dressage

Beyond simply adding more freestyle classes, dressage could take inspiration from other sports in finding new ways to captivate spectators – tapping into the same energy that made those viral freestyles so memorable.

One striking example comes from the NCAA women’s gymnastics scene in the US, where artistic floor routines have evolved from purely technical exercises into more of a performance art. That shift transformed the sport’s popularity, making it more entertaining and relatable, with athletes such as Katelyn Ohashi and Margzetta Frazier drawing tens – even hundreds – of millions of views online.

In the 1980s and 90s, NCAA gymnastics faced a similar challenge to dressage today: routines were technically brilliant but often inaccessible to more casual audiences. Over time, the rules shifted focus away from pure technical difficulty, reducing compulsory elements and rewarding creativity, expression and storytelling, encouraging gymnasts to connect with spectators rather than simply impress judges. The result was a new generation of routines set to pop, hip-hop and movie soundtracks – performances that felt athletic but also personal.

Crucially, although it differs from the floor routines you see in the Olympics, the sport didn’t lose its integrity. Difficulty scores still matter, but they now sit alongside artistry and presentation. That balance has helped gymnastics bridge the gap between sport and entertainment – something dressage, with its musical foundations, is arguably as well placed to emulate.

By contrast, dressage freestyles are weighted 50/50 between technical execution and artistic impression, with 200 marks available for each. But when you consider that collective marks for rhythm, energy, elasticity, and harmony between horse and rider all sit within the artistic category, the real balance is closer to 70/30 in favour of technicality.

Shifting that balance – placing greater emphasis on musical interpretation and choreography, and relaxing restrictions on compulsory movements, perhaps even reducing the length of tests – could encourage riders to take more creative risks and produce freestyles that connect more powerfully with audiences. That kind of innovation fits the moment too, where TikTok and trending audios shape how people engage with the world.

How grassroots organisers are reimagining the future of dressage competition

Additionally, demos have long shown their pulling power – BD’s own national conventions were always well attended – so combining them with competitions could help bring more people through the gates. Grassroots organisers are already proving how effective that approach can be.

At the unaffiliated Aintree Cooke Coachbuilders Carnival of Dressage, organiser Katie Amos has built an event that blends competition, community and entertainment – and it’s paying off.

“I run a training camp beforehand so people can come for two and a half days, train in the competition arenas, and then stay for the show,” she says. “It encourages them to stable overnight and creates more of a community feel on the showground.”

The gala-night demo in 2025 sold out 265 tickets, and featured how-to advice on freestyles from Equidance, and top riders like the then national champion Lewis Robertson-Carrier and Becky Moody, who rode Jagerbomb.

“We didn’t even announce what horse Becky was bringing, and it still sold out,” Katie adds.

With lead-rein classes, family-friendly awards, and a focus on fun, her formula shows that creating experiences around the sport – not just within it – can help keep both riders and spectators coming back.

By comparison, demonstrations at the nationals are typically short – often around 30 minutes between classes – which makes them harder to build into the wider spectator experience.

The future of dressage depends on connection – not just competition

British Dressage already does many things well, from supporting grassroots riders to keeping longstanding traditions like Radio Nationals alive, and much of what’s discussed here is simply a snapshot of ideas rather than an exhaustive list.

There’s still plenty more that could be explored without dramatically increasing overheads – from leaning into spectator interest in young horse classes and promoting the sport’s personalities, to adding post-test commentary from judges, improving live coverage, relaxing traditional dress codes, and allowing non-rights holders to share content from FEI-named events.

But there remains a clear need for the sport to evolve. The challenges facing dressage are complex, even before considering issues such as welfare and social licence – and there’s a lot to be said about NCAA gymnastics’ new appeal being down to its celebrating the “happy athlete” – yet every small improvement in presentation, participation, or perception can make a difference.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think could help make dressage more engaging and enjoyable for riders and spectators alike? Write in and share your ideas at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and country for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Rules on horse abuse, blood, flag penalties and double bridles to be voted on next month

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Feeding your horse during the winter can be a challenge and many horse owners will be looking at how to save money on hay and reduce bills this year. No-one wants to over pay for their horse’s hay or haylage, and this year, with the reduced hay yield and increased prices, this is more front of mind than ever. We asked the experts how to get the most out of your horse’s forage without compromising their health and performance.

Fibre is essential for healthy hindgut function and the process of digestion helps to keep the horse warm. It also supplies slow-release energy and reduces the risk of colic in horses, so it’s important to ensure we are feeding enough fibre to our horses while searching for ways to reduce unnecessary expensive wastage.

How to save money on hay

1. Avoid waste

It sounds obvious, but don’t waste forage, whether it’s by overfeeding, not supplying in a varied enough form or by not presenting it to your horse properly. Hannah Briars of Winergy suggests: “Bring horses in from the field to eat or provide a field rack to prevent hay being wasted through trampling.”

There are plenty of small-holed haynets and slow feeders and that will help reduce waste simply by keeping it tidy and off the ground. They can also protect the nutrientlevels from decreasing due to exposure to bad weather.

2. Make hay last longer

Horses need to eat around 1.5–2.5% of their bodyweight a day, and the majority of this should come from forage. However, some horses eat far more than they need to – and very quickly. If you’re giving extra hay purely to reduce the time they’re without, make use of small-holed haynets to reduce the speed your horse can eat at and make the same amount of hay last longer.

Here’s how to weigh your horse to ensure you’re feeding the right amount of hay.

3. Use different types of forage

Katie Williams, head of nutrition at Dengie Horse Feeds, says: “Research has shown that offering a variety of fibre types – hay, haylage, chopped fibre – keeps stabled horses happy and stimulated. Offering a bucket of chopped fibre, such as Hi-Fi Original, with carrots and apples is a great way of increasing fibre intake and encouraging them to forage.”

Lizzie Drury, senior nutritionist from Saracen Horse Feeds describes this as “cafeteria-style” feeding and goes further: “Try offering a net of hay, another of haylage, a bucket of chaff and sprinkle high-fibre cubes in a pile of hay on the floor.”

Used with caution, good-quality oat or barley straw accompanied by plenty of water — and a watchful eye to ensure droppings are regular — can be used to make hay or haylage go further, especially for good-doers. But it is not recommended for a horse with a fragile digestive system and can cause impaction colic, so if you’re unsure then discuss this plan with your vet before introducing it.

4. Consider hay replacers

Clare Barfoot of Spillers advises: “If you can’t find a reliable source of hay or haylage, hay replacers may be useful. These are chopped fibre-based products formulated to provide the same level of nutrition as hay or haylage and can be fed at up to 100% of the diet.

“Some contain vitamins and minerals, such as Spillers Happy Hoof, while others don’t, so it is worth checking with the manufacturer whether or not you need to add in a supplement.”

Hay replacers may appear expensive at first, but some are only designed to be a partial replacement. Our guide to the best hay replacers explains the differences and will help you identify a suitable option.

5. Investigate larger bales

Switching from traditional small bales, to larger bales of hay, could save you money in the long run. Unlike haylage, which will go off if not used quickly enough, big-bale hay will last and some merchants will wrap hay for clients if you need to store it outside.

6. Club together

If you do prefer to use haylage, clubbing together with other owners on your yard will help ensure you get through big-bale haylage fast enough to minimise wastage.

7. Buy from the field

If you can buy your hay straight from the field, and collect it yourself, this is likely to be is cheaper. The farmer may well give you a discount if you’re willing to save him the job of transporting it home.

Many farmers are prioritising loyal customers this year, but it’s worth trying if you’re able to transport.

8. Get your hay analysed

Hay and haylage don’t just differ in their moisture content; depending on the type and age of ley (mix of grass varieties) used, when it is cut (anything from May to late August) and the amount of time it “cures” before being baled, the nutritional value of your forage can vary, so it is worth getting it analysed so you know what you are feeding.

Once you have this information, speak to a nutritionist about your horse and you may find you can save money by reducing your horse’s hard feed.

You may also be interested in…

11 small-holed haynets and slow feeders to extend eating time and reduce wastage

21 full and partial hay replacers to help add more fibre to the diet

13 ways to save money on horse costs without compromising on care

9 ways to save money on your horse’s bills

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

The most recent analysis of the equestrian industry shows the challenges the sector is facing – but also the resilience with which we are meeting them.

British Equestrian (BEF) has published the results of its 2024 “State of the nation” report, which “details a comprehensive analysis of the equestrian landscape across the UK”.

“Drawing on research and data from British Equestrian, our member bodies, industry partners and national statistics, the report is used to track trends, highlight challenges and shape strategic plans and projects for the year ahead to support a sustainable and inclusive future for the equestrian sector,” a BEF spokesperson said.

“The 2024 report builds on last year’s inaugural edition and reflects on sector progress, as well as drawing attention to opportunities for development to improve sustainability, resilience and inclusion across equestrianism.”

The report found that participation and engagement are increasing; membership of the 19 member bodies rose by 11.7% between 2023 and 2024, social media following by 13%.

Equestrian centres and charities are under pressure but resilient; riding school numbers are still under threat but more than half “express an interest and capacity to grow”.

The cost of living is still a concern, and the sector’s environmental sustainability is in focus.

The BEF’s social value research found significant physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits linked to riding, equestrian activities and equine-assisted therapy. The report identified workforce challenges, such as low pay, mental health concerns and non-compliance with the law, but when employment is good, there is a positive impact on staff.

Public trust

The report also cites World Horse Welfare research that found moderate public trust in equestrian sport, but that welfare ethics and accessibility are key areas to improve to maintain public acceptance.

“The report sets the foundation to build on projects and initiatives aligned with our five-year strategy,” the BEF spokesperson said. “Ongoing investment in research and improved data capture will enable more informed decision-making and allow for year-on-year tracking of trends that impact the equestrian community.”

Priorities for this year include calculating equestrianism’s overall social value, coming up with solutions to workforce challenges thanks to a new steering group, continued advocation for horse welfare and more research into riding schools to allow the BEF to provide tailored support.

“Data-driven insight gives us the foundation to take meaningful action,” said BEF head of participation and development Mandana Mehran Pour. “The findings provide a clear direction of how we can better support the people, horses and organisations that define our sector.

“By deepening our understanding through data, we’re able to plan more strategically, respond more effectively, better represent the industry and shape a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for equestrianism across the UK.”

The report concludes that it provides valuable insight into the landscape of the sector.

“There is both resilience and challenges faced by riding schools, horse owners and equestrian businesses amid a backdrop of economic pressures,” it states.

“The increase in participation rates and federation memberships signals a positive trend, yet the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and environmental impact poses significant threats to equine welfare and the sustainability of riding establishments. Enhanced data capture can facilitate deeper understanding of our audience, and a collective approach towards shared challenges is essential for maximum impact.”

BEF insight and research manager Abigail Bevan added that collecting and analysing data builds a full picture.

“This evidence base helps us track progress over time and shape the future of the sector,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘No stone unturned’: major new deal supports Britain’s top riders until next Olympic and Paralympic Games

Pammy Hutton: ‘Riding schools are our lifeline – but who will fight for them?’

Welcoming everyone to horses benefits people – and the industry

‘Not just numbers’ as owners cut back on food and energy to provide for their horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re like me, you’ll always buy for your horse first with no expense spared and then stick to a strict budget for yourself, which is why I’m always on the lookout for the best cheap riding tights. I’ve found nine pairs of budget-friendly riding tights – all with an RRP of £40 or under, with the cheapest being £20! And even better, you don’t have to compromise on desirable features, such as a full-seat grip or phone pockets.

Riding tights and leggings are so popular because they’re comfortable, ideal for everyday wear and in general they’re cheaper than the best breeches. While some of the best pairs of riding tights could set you back over £100 – and in many cases you get what you pay for – there are also plenty of cheaper riding tights available, too.

Best budget riding tights

GS Equestrian Nieva Full Seat Riding Tights

Colours: Black, plum navy or grey

Sizes: UK 6–18

RRP: £25.95

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight fabric
• High waistband
• Two large, side phone pockets

Reasons to avoid

• Only available with full silicone seat design

These high-waisted tights full-seat silicone grip for added security in the saddle and two sizeable leg pockets.

Hy Equestrian Melton Riding Tights

Colours: Beige, black, navy, white or fig

Sizes: XS–XL

RRP: £37.99

Reasons to buy

• Stretchy material
• Practical pocket

Reasons to avoid

• Only one pocket

Made with polyester and spandex, these riding tights are made from a four-way stretch supportive material that offers a flattering shape. They have a full silicone seat for increased grip and stability, feature a practical phone pocket, and have no-bulk ankles for a comfortable fit under long boots or socks.

Cameo Core Collection Riding Tights

Colours: Crimson, navy, white, marl, black, terracotta, grey, beige, aubergine, blue or damson

Sizes: UK 6–20

RRP: £29.95

Reasons to buy

• Four-way stretch fabric for comfort
• Lots of colour options

Reasons to avoid

• Only one pocket

These stretch riding tights have a wide waistband, handy pocket and silicone knee grip. They come in a wide range of colours that cater for all styles and are also available in children’s sizes.

Countrydale Classic Pull On Riding Leggings

Colours: Navy, black, charcoal, grey, brown, wine, beige or sage

Sizes: UK 6–24

RRP: £39.95

Reasons to buy

• Offers UPF50+ sun protection
• One zip pocket and a deep pocket
• Wide size range

Reasons to avoid

• No grip – but great if you want the everyday leggings look

These stretchy, high-waisted riding tights offer support and are made of a moisture-wicking and breathable material. They feature a large zip pocket on the left leg and a deep side pocket on the right leg, which is ideal for keeping your phone, keys and horse treats safe.

Jodhpurs Versatile Knee Grip Riding Tights

Colours: 12 options

Sizes: UK 8–20

RRP: £20

Reasons to buy

• No inside seams
• Large thigh pocket
• Plenty of colour options

Reasons to avoid

• Only available with knee grip

I think these high-waisted riding tights are great value. They come in a range of colours and are decorated with a horseshoe or spot design silicone knee grip. They are super soft and stretchy, offering freedom of movement both in and out of the saddle.

Rhinegold Performance Full Seat Riding Tights

Colours: Black

Sizes: UK 8–18

RRP: £30.50

Reasons to buy

• Spandex/Lycra material for durability
• Knee grip
• Zip side pocket

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in one colour

These riding tights feature a soft, stretchy waistband and a convenient zip side pocket for essentials. The design includes overlock stitching for seam strength and a full seat silicone grip for added security. Plus, the fabric has been chosen so that it can’t be seen through, ensuring confidence during your ride.

Fouganza 500 Full Grip Riding Leggings

Colours: Black, blue, green, brown, cherry or bordeaux

Sizes: UK 4–16

RRP: £34.99

Reasons to buy

• Zipped thigh pocket

Reasons to avoid

• Waistband not as wide as others

These leggings feature a wide waistband for a secure fit, a full seat silicone grip for optimal stability in the saddle, and a zipped pocket on the thigh.

Redpost Adapt Full Grip Riding Tights

Colours: Midnight blue or black

Sizes: XXS–XXL

RRP: £39

Reasons to buy

• Two pockets
• Subtle silicone full seat grip

Reasons to avoid

• Branding on the leg might not suit your style

Constructed from a spandex-blend fabric for ultimate durability and performance, these tights have a super-soft feel and are designed to hug every rider with a close, flattering, and supportive fit. They have an ‘R’-pattern silicone seat for security, all-over contrast stitching, logo branding on the thigh and waist, and a handy phone pocket on each side. Also available in children’s sizes.

Harry Hall Everyday Riding Tights

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: XS–XXL

RRP: £34.95

Reasons to buy

• Soft feel fabric
• Two large pockets

Reasons to avoid

• Only available with a full silicone seat

Made from supportive four-way stretch fabric, these tights have flat-lock seams for to reduce the chance of any rubs or irritation. They feature two large phone pockets and full silicone seat for extra stability in the saddle.

Can I ride in riding tights?

Riding tights are a popular and comfortable choice for many riders, providing excellent freedom of movement. Crafted from a lightweight, stretchy fabric, they often feature practical elements, such as phone pockets and silicone grip to enhance security in the saddle.

Are riding tights the same as jodhpurs?

Riding tights offer a second-skin fit, offering a sportier, thinner, pull-up alternative to traditional jodhpurs.

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15 pairs of riding tights and leggings worth trying out

8 pairs of comfy and casual riding tights for young riders – ages 3-14

8 pairs of riding tights and leggings that are designed especially for winter

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In her latest H&H column, Anna Ross highlighted the financial pressures facing riders – from soaring insurance to mounting business costs – and how these hurdles can block progress for those without deep pockets.

But while the landscape is tough, some riders are finding smart, sustainable ways to keep competing. You might not be shopping for the next Valegro – few are – but that doesn’t mean your dreams are out of reach.

Here’s how to stay in the game with real-world strategies for enjoying dressage on a budget.

Real riders share how they manage dressage on a budget

International grand prix rider Steph Croxford knows what it’s like to compete on a shoestring – and still stand out.

“We have no money whatsoever, but I’ve managed to train and compete several horses for over 25 years now,” she says.

“With entry fees and diesel costs rising, I only compete when I need to. It’s the same with lessons – one trip can cost £150, so I make each one count.

“I learn what I can from my fabulous trainer, go home and practise, and book another lesson when I need a nudge.”

At home, she cuts costs wherever possible.

“I don’t have fancy matchy-matchy outfits, and most of my tack is from eBay,” she says. “When my horses were on shavings, I got them free from the sawmill – I just had to bag them.

“Now they’re on chopped rape straw from a local farm, which is much cheaper.”

Steph feeds all her horses hard feed from her local supplier, and, with no staff, keeps horse numbers realistic.

“We have four – that’s enough mucking out for me!” she laughs. “We all pitch in before and after work and school. That means 6am starts, riding at 7am, then back in the evening for yard jobs.”

“Spend your money on the horse, not the extras”

International small tour rider Stef Eardley has reached national grand prix level on a budget.

“I really look after my stuff and get rugs repaired – some are over 30 years old,” she says. “I find bargains on Facebook Marketplace and eBay. If I want something new, I wait for the sale.”

Flashy gear isn’t a priority for Stef.

“Spend your money on good feed, good shoeing, good physio, and riding the horse properly,” she says. “Those are my non-negotiables. If you’ve got money to spend, invest in really good training.”

Even her lorry reflects that ethos.

“I have the world’s worst-looking lorry – but it’s reliable, has been abroad, and drives well,” she says. “I saved up for it. At first it didn’t have electricity, so I bought a camping cable I hang out the window. I use charity shop blankets as a middle layer between rugs.”

She also plans ahead. “I save monthly into a horse account, so I always have something in hand for vet bills,” she says.

“You don’t need to spend a mortgage on a horse. My most expensive was £8,500, but I’ve had huge success with free ones no one else could ride. One went to grand prix, another to inter I.”

“Make every penny count”

Secondary school teacher and BHS coach Katherine Loupart has competed to medium level – often starting with horses others overlooked.

“My money is hard-earned, so I have to use it wisely,” she says. “I’ve never bought a ready-made horse. All of mine were just-backed or started by me – two were found at a market and became my best.”

Until recently, she didn’t even have an arena.

“Most of my schooling has been done on bridleways,” she says. “I use transitions, leg-yield, shoulder-in, canter strike-offs and hills. I’d hire an arena once a fortnight and combine it with a focused lesson. I always come back with homework.”

She competes monthly – unless she’s chasing qualifications.

“The horses gain experience at unaffiliated level. I only affiliate when we’re ready,” she says.

She’s clear on what matters: “I never cut corners on physio, dental care, or feed – including supplements.

“But I skip the extras. Fancy saddle cloths can cost more than a lesson or competition, and they don’t change how your horse goes. eBay and Marketplace are my go-to – and it’s better for the environment, too.”

Do you have any tips to help keep your horse costs down? Share them with us by emailing us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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How ‘eyes on the ground’ can help with your training and save you money

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“Together we can save lives” is the message from a welfare charity, which gave neglected ponies the care they needed in their last months.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is sharing the story of Hazel, Willow and Oakley, whom it took in late last year, to highlight the “ongoing equine welfare crisis compounded by the high cost of living”.

The charity took all three in but Willow and Oakley had to be put down despite the best efforts of staff and vets.

“When piebald cob Hazel arrived in December she was in a distressed state, suffering from patches of sore skin and an infestation of lice,” a Mare and Foal Sanctuary spokesperson said. “Her Shetland companions Willow and Oakley also faced significant health issues requiring immediate veterinary attention. Working closely with their owner, the sanctuary’s welfare and rehoming team recognised the severity of their situation and despite reaching full capacity, the charity made the crucial decision to accommodate all three ponies.”

Hazel was in a “serious” condition, suffering with open sores from sweet itch, Willow was very underweight with dental issues that made eating difficult and Oakley was showing signs of conjunctivitis.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s supporters, the charity’s care team took urgent action, and each pony was medically assessed,” the spokesperson said. Hazel was treated for the lice and her skin condition improved but Willow “faced more resistance in her recovery”.

“Despite a gentle feeding plan and comprehensive care, she eventually stopped eating and displayed signs of colic,” the spokesperson said. “Following thorough assessments by the sanctuary’s on-site veterinary team and highly experienced care staff, the heartbreaking decision was made to put Willow to sleep, surrounded by her grooms and lifelong friends, Hazel and Oakley.

“Oakley remained under close watch for another two months, but the chronic nature of his eye condition ultimately led the vets and sanctuary team to make another painful decision to put him to sleep. His lack of vision severely affected his quality of life, and his grooms found solace in knowing he was given the very best loving care during his final months.”

Field officer Leah Brook said she was glad the sanctuary could help all three ponies.

“Despite the difficulties of this case, I’m grateful that the owner accepted our help,” she said. “When I first saw Willow, I didn’t know if she would make it to the day of the rescue. Once we got her back to the sanctuary we acted quickly and did all we could to make her comfortable. It’s heartbreaking that we were too late to save her.

“To lose Oakley just two months later was devastating. He was such a sweet-natured pony. I’m glad he spent his final months getting the treatment and care he needed with us. I’d like to thank our kind supporters for enabling this rescue to happen.”

Sanctuary chief executive Rhodri Samuel said the cost-of-living crisis is having a direct impact on owners’ being able to meet their horses’ welfare needs.

“With the help of our supporters we are working hard to help more ponies like Hazel, Willow and Oakley who need specialist care,” he said. “This rescue came at a time when our sanctuary was already at high capacity. Unfortunately, we can only bring in the most urgent cases, but with our supporters we will continue to be there for horses when they need us most. Please join us in our spring appeal to provide care for equines in need. Your donations make a significant difference, and together, we can change lives.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Not just numbers’ as owners cut back on food and energy to provide for their horses

Equine charities report owners’ ‘desperation’ and large-scale rescues as living cost crisis continues

‘Worrying picture’ as owners go without food to feed their horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Over a third of riders have cut back spending on food, and almost a quarter on dental care, for themselves to allow them to keep their horses.

The results of a nationwide census carried out by Harry Hall found that 64% of respondents had had to cut their spending elsewhere, and that 87% thought owning or caring for horses is getting harder.

The aim of the census, completed by 3,343 equestrians in the UK, 95% of whom owned or loaned at least one horse, was to “provide a deep dive into how equestrians are navigating economic challenges” to continue to ride.

“The results of the inaugural Harry Hall Horse census reveals what has been felt across the community for some time and shows the lengths equestrians are going to in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis that is impacting everyone,” said Harry Hall managing director Liz Hopper.

“Nearly a quarter of horse owners are reducing energy consumption in their homes to prioritise their horses’ care, while 88 percent have given up holidays altogether. Perhaps most concerning, a third of equestrians are cutting back on their own food to meet horse care expenses.”

Ms Hopper said the statistics “aren’t just numbers”.

“They represent real challenges facing our community. The census has made it clear that there are areas across the equestrian sector that require immediate attention and improvement to help ensure that all horses and riders are supported throughout their journey. At Harry Hall we aim to make horse ownership more affordable by providing products and services that lower that annual cost.”

As well as the 36% of respondents who have cut back their spending on food, and 24% on dental care, 28% have made cuts to spending on their cars and 24% on home energy spend, all to be able to keep their horses.

More than two thirds (67%) have cut back on competing and lessons but only 9% and 5% said they had cut back on routine vet and physio-type treatments and farrier care respectively.

One of those who has made sacrifices to care for her horse Rupert is Louise Biebly.

“Rupert is my world and my family,” she said. “Looking after him is my number one concern and affording him is my second. I’ve definitely noticed that costs across horse ownership have gone up. Personal things like going to the dentist and other general expenses have been put on hold and I will always cut my own costs and make personal sacrifices first, Rupert will never go without.

“Rupert is the one constant thing in my life that keeps me happy and although the cost of things rising can mean feeling the pinch, he is my priority.”

Ms Hopper added that the census shows it is “more important than ever for us to continue to support our customers by introducing innovative, new services and products, as we strive to make horse riding and ownership more affordable and accessible for everyone, so they don’t have to make sacrifices”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Equine charities report owners’ ‘desperation’ and large-scale rescues as living cost crisis continues

13 ways to save money on horse costs without compromising on care

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While many of us horse owners will do everything we can to adjust our own expenses in order to be able to cover our horse’s costs, with the cost of living crisis continuing to bite, some of us may face the unpleasant realisation that we need to sell a horse to be able to pay our bills. If this applies to you, knowing how to improve your horse’s value should help expedite not only a fast sale, but ensure it is a lucrative one too. Quite simply, the same horse being marketed after two months or more off work in the field is likely to sell for less than when he is fit, up and running.

Bear in mind that you may need to make some investment – in time and/or money – to reap these rewards. So you have to weigh up whether it is better financially to try to sell a horse cheaply without that work and investment, or to take the appropriate amount of time and effort to achieve a bigger price-tag further down the line.

10 ways to improve a horse’s value

A marketable horse should be:

An appealing purchase

You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but a well-trained, polite horse will typically find a buyer more quickly than an unruly one. So while you might not literally add value, you’re more likely to sell for the asking price as this type of horse readily finds a new home.

A safe conveyance

A trustworthy ride can be priceless – even if the market rate for a certain horse’s physical ability and CV might not be sky-high. Make sure your horse is well-schooled on the road, in traffic, with tractors and farm machinery. Can he go round a farm and not spook at sheep, cows and pigs? Have you exposed him and desensitised him to distractions and hazards? Police horses spend many hours getting used to noises and hazards – work at it until you can faithfully sell him as a safe hack.

Well-schooled

If you do not have the skills to improve your horse’s way of going yourself, consider it a wise investment to seek a professional’s help. This should improve the value of your horse exponentially. It may also mean he can tot up a few competition results, as well as be more exposed to buyers thanks to being in a professional yard. Some buyers would rather put their trust in a reputable professional than a one-horse owner who has no history or references to check.

An all-rounder

A horse that can do a bit of everything has options when it comes to prospective buyers. A horse that shows a good attitude to work, hacks out, loads, is good to shoe, and can pop a pole, will be a nice all-rounder. The buyer can then choose to specialise in their chosen area.

Competition results

This is where you can make the biggest increase in value. Of course, this comes with its own investment – competing isn’t cheap, but if you can rack up some decent results on his record (and even some prize money to boot), you can quickly escalate the asking price. Major on what the horse is naturally gifted at, and get out competing. If you are not confident to compete, and the horse is capable, consider sending him to a professional to fulfil his ability.

In good health

You can’t always make a lame horse sound, but it’s worth knowing where you stand before starting the selling process. Asking the vet to give your horse a check-over is another expense, but one that may pay dividends in the long run. As most horses will be vetted prior to purchase to comply with insurance requirements, it’s worth knowing what the potential challenges are and whether you can do anything to improve any issues. There may be minor dermatological issues that can be easily fixed, for instance. It also means you can put on the ad, “clean X-rays” if appropriate, or manage your price expectations. Furthermore, if the horse has an old scar which is of no consequence for a competitive career, for example, it’s reassuring to have the vet’s assessment to share with the buyer.

Good to shoe, box, clip and catch

These have nothing to do with the horse’s physical ability, but they are still plus points when it comes to sale. Or to flip it, if he’s bad at any of these basic requirements, you may well have to sell him for cheaper than his value. Seek professional help if needed, and work at all these skills patiently until they are second nature.

Registered with a society

Horses that are registered with the appropriate society or association in which you are marketing the horse – for example, British Eventing or British Dressage – tend to have a higher price-tag than those which are not registered at all. It looks more professional, with the intention of the horse going places. Again, a little bit of competitive experience appropriate to the horse’s age and stage is always a bonus.

Fit and ready to go

Many buyers want a horse that is fit and ready to work, even if they want to put their own stamp on them. It is easier for the buyer to judge the horse’s ability if it is in work and produced to sell. On the other hand, buyers looking for a bargain are more likely to try to spot one in the rough, so make sure yours is not!

Market your horse well with great photos and videos

This shouldn’t increase the price-tag, but it will make him easier to sell. A professional-looking video is appealing to buyers and will make a decent price look appropriate. Make sure your photos match your advertisement, so if you say he’s jumping 1.20m at home, don’t video him over a tiny cross-pole. Show him off at his best.

Of course, horses are only ever worth what a buyer is willing to pay, and market rates fluctuate. However, the more boxes you tick, the more options your horse has for potential buyers – and the more likely you are to get a decent price.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the season, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

How to prepare your horse for a quick and hassle-free sale

Choosing the right photos and videos to sell your horse

Honesty is the best policy – but not everyone agrees: 8 life lessons you learn when you sell a horse

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Money-saving measures and rewards platforms have been launched to help equestrians in tough times – as owners are reminded that “prevention is better than cure”.

As the cost of living continues to be a concern for many, a number of equestrian businesses and organisations have launched initiatives to ease financial pressures.

For some time, many vet practices have offered pay-monthly equine health plans, often including annual vaccinations and dental checks, worm egg counts and discounts on routine visits or procedures.

Oxfordshire-based independent practice Hook Norton Veterinary Group (HNVG) has taken this a step further with its “groundbreaking” £30-monthly Equiplan Gold scheme. It offers free pre-booked routine examinations, annual hoof balance X-rays, a 50% discount on lameness examinations and a 10% discount on Agria insurance among its benefits – as well as vaccinations, dental treatment and a worming programme.

HNVG director Sam Cutts told H&H the scheme was launched to help owners seek preventative health care for their horses.

“We’re aware that people’s disposable income is being tightened at the moment. We launched the scheme because we’ve got clients who really want to look after their horses as best as they can, but were starting to worry about the cost of calling the vet and therefore were potentially sitting on things – and then inevitably these can become bigger problems,” she said.

“It’s about prevention rather than cure, and trying to say to people, ‘We want to work with you to keep your horses as healthy as possible’ rather than having a situation where people turn to ‘Dr Google’ or bury their heads in the sand because they’re worried about the cost.”

Ms Cutts added that the practice “heavily promotes” hoof balance X-rays and it “made sense to make these affordable”.

“We know that an enormous number of lamenesses come from potentially poor foot balance. If people can do these X-rays once a year, rather than thinking, ‘It’s several hundreds of pounds and I can’t afford it,’ then we can work with farriers with this extra information provided by X-rays,” she said.

British Horse Society (BHS) chief operating officer Sarah Phillips told H&H rising costs can create “added pressures” for owners.

“There are many effective steps owners and carers can take to minimise spending. It is essential, however, to prioritise your horse’s health and welfare, even during tough times,” she said.

“Avoid false economies, such as skipping vaccinations, dental check-ups or hoof maintenance, as these can lead to serious health issues and higher costs in the long run. It is of vital importance that your horses’ care and welfare is at the forefront of your decision-making. The BHS horse care and welfare helpline is here to provide advice and support about all aspects of a horse’s wellbeing”.

Insurance provider SEIB has launched a rewards programme for its classic horse insurance policyholders, designed to “give back”. SEIB Rewards offers discounts, giveaways and special offers from equestrian brands, including Dengie, Equine Faecal Egg Count Solutions and PolyJumps.

“We’re committed to expanding the programme to offer our classic horse insurance policyholders increasing value. We’re excited about the partnerships already established and those on the horizon,” said SEIB’s digital marketing manager Katie Oswald.

Last month British Eventing (BE) announced changes to its membership offering, including more subsidised training, allowing payment for membership and training in three interest-free instalments, and a new rewards platform giving high-street discounts and offers with BE’s equestrian partners (news, 19 December 2024).

“We know times are hard and understand how difficult balancing the books can be. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that we can offer the best value offering possible to our members, while ensuring we can cover our costs and continue to reinvest back into the sport we all love,” said BE chief executive Rosie Williams.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Equine charities report owners’ ‘desperation’ and large-scale rescues as living cost crisis continues

13 ways to save money on horse costs without compromising on care

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The cost-of-living crisis and owners struggling to cope continue to be major concerns for equine welfare charities, which have been helping “desperate” owners and taking in large groups of horses this year.

Although some living costs have steadied in 2024, and inflation in November was 2.6% compared to 10.7% in November 2022, families around the UK continue to face high bills and financial pressures.

World Horse Welfare reported a 44% increase in welfare cases involving owners having more than 10 horses, up from 109 in 2023 to 157 in 2024. Cases involving owners with more than 50 horses have doubled.

“This is significant because not only do these rescues fill up the centres, they put pressure on the field officer team too,” a World Horse Welfare spokesperson told H&H, adding that the charity has had to invest in more equipment such as trailers and pens to accommodate these cases.

Word Horse Welfare launched its Help for Horse Owners initiative in February with the aim of preventing serious welfare cases by providing early intervention.

“We have lost count of the people we have helped when they have nowhere else to turn and are often at their lowest ebb,” said World Horse Welfare chief field officer Claire Gordon, adding that those the charity has helped usually say they wished they had known about the initiative sooner.

“We hope by highlighting this, we can reach more of the people who are struggling now, so they know a channel exists to seek help from, without judgement.”

By the end of November Redwings had taken in 98 equines, compared to 96 in 2023 – but the charity’s rehoming figures continue to decline. It rehomed 88 equines to guardian homes – who can be returned to the charity at any time – down from 101 in 2023.

“Rehoming has taken a worrying downturn with horses who would have had lots of interest in the past receiving limited interest despite our best efforts,” Redwings chief executive Lynn Cutress told H&H.

“We presume that this is yet another result of the cost-of-living crisis, which as a charity with over 2,000 equines to look after is affecting us in every way.”

Looking at the larger picture the RSPCA reported an overall decline in the past 10 years in reports of cruelty to and neglect of equines. But the number of equines taken in since 2014 “shows a less steady picture” – peaking at more than 900 in 2014, and again in 2017. The charity reported a “continuous drop” in this number between 2019 and 2021, but said the number has risen again since 2022.

“The cost-of-living crisis may explain the rising numbers of abandonments and horses taken into care in the past few years, and it is worrying that we have seen an increase in abandonments in 2022 and 2023 – although abandonments are still less than half what they were 10 years ago,” said RSPCA horse welfare expert Mark Kennedy.

“But our research suggests that there is a growing epidemic of poor welfare in the equine population of England and Wales. Often issues may not meet the legal threshold for us to take action under current animal welfare law. But it does mean that many horses may be surviving rather than thriving – and that should concern all of us.”

South Bristol-based HorseWorld reported a 143% increase in reports made to the charity from 40 in 2014 to 97 in 2024; from members of the public, other charities, landowners, and police.

“In many calls we’ve had from owners, especially in the last 12 months, we’ve heard how they have been struggling to make ends meet for some time,” said HorseWorld’s head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister.

“It’s rarely one thing which has caused them to reach out. 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.”

The charity also reported that the total equines it estimates “are potentially at risk” in its area has increased by 38%, from 156 in 2014 to 216 in 2024.

“Since 2014 we have been involved in a number of cases involving very large numbers 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, two cases involving over 70, as well as a number of other large groups,” said Ms Hollister.

HAPPA chief executive Sarah Arthur said the type of help needed by owners has changed.

“Reports of cruelty and neglect are still being reported, however cries for help from owners trying to do the right thing are more prevalent. We are seeing an increase of owners reaching out for help due to financial and medical difficulties. Intervention is needed by way of advice and or a sign over to ensure that the welfare of the equine is not compromised,” she said.

Ms Arthur added that when the Control of Horses Act came into force in 2015 there was an overall drop in abandonment cases; prior to 2018 approximately 40% of the equines taken in annually by the charity were classed as abandonment cases. Between 2018 and 2022 this decreased to less than 5%, but in recent years 20% of HAPPA’s intake figure is attributed to abandonment.

“The change in the demographic certainly seems to be a response to the cost-of-living crisis. Demand for HAPPA’s services remains consistent, the type of help needed is changing, and intake and rehoming figures remain balanced. Will this be a trend that continues, only time will tell,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

New service launched for owners struggling to care for their horses

‘Worrying picture’ as owners go without food to feed their horses

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Black Friday is here today! The event starts on 29 November 2024, but some Black Friday dog deals will carry on into the weekend and beyond. We’re gathering the best deals together here.

We’ve picked out some of the best Black Friday deals for dogs so that you don’t have to go trawling the internet – and can spend more time playing with your pup. Whether your dog is a flyball champion, master of agility, showing supremo or chief sofa companion, he needs a bed, food, toys and treats (and more!), which when you add it up, often doesn’t come cheap – so these Black Friday sales really come in handy.

As deals are released, we will be regularly updating this page with the very best Black Friday deals for dogs that we can find. And we’ve got dedicated pages for all the best Black Friday dog bed deals and the best Black Friday dog toy deals, too.

Quick links

Amazon: Black Friday deals on pet supplies

Bunty Pet Products: Grab a bargain in their current sale

Viovet: Big deals on food, toys and care products

Pets & Friends: Save money on bestsellers across the site

Pets At Home: Shop Black Fur-Day sale here

Furbo: Save over 80% now

Barking Heads: Save up to 50% on dog food

Pooch & Mutt: Get 20% off with ‘POOCH’

Best Black Friday deals for dogs

Top UK dog deals by category

Beds

Toys

Treats and supplements

Electronics

Health and grooming

Dog bed deals

These are some of our favourite dog bed deals, but we’ve done a full round up of Black Friday dog bed deals too.

Dog toy deals

Dog treats and supplements deals

Electronics deals

Health and grooming deals

We’re keeping a close eye on the following retailers…

• Amazon
• Viovet
• Dunelm 
• John Lewis
• Pets At Home
• Pets & Friends
• GS Equestrian
• Furbo
• Bunty Pet Products
• Silent Night
• Pitpat
• Tractive
• Go Outdoors
• and lots more!

When is Black Friday 2024?

This year Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November, but in the past many of the top online retailers have kicked off their Black Friday deals more than a week early.

Where can I find the best Black Friday deals for dogs?

Many online pet retailers are running special offers in the run up to Black Friday, throughout the weekend and on Cyber Monday (Monday 2 December). We will be updating this page with the very best deals we can find, so rather than searching the internet to find the best bargains, come to us as we will have done the hard work for you.

Black Friday dog deals on Amazon

Amazon always goes big for Black Friday, with fabulous discounts on offer in the build up and on the day. When Amazon kicks off its Black Friday deals for 2024 we will include the information here. In the meantime, here is a link to Amazon’s dog page.

What is Black Friday?

For consumers and retailers in the UK, Black Friday is a relatively recent phenomenon, but it has been going strong the US for decades.

Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving and is traditionally seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season, with high street retailers opening their doors at the crack of dawn and offering big discounts for shoppers who have set their alarm clocks.

The rise of internet shopping has allowed the Black Friday tradition to spread throughout the world. From your local pet shop to massive online retailers, there will be great discounts to be had.

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We’re rounding up the best early Black Friday dog bed deals, so if you’re looking to grab a dog bed for a bargain price, you’ve come to the right place.

Dogs need beds all year round but a good one that will last can be a fair investment, so finding the best Black Friday dog bed deals is a great way to save a bit of money while ensuring your dog still gets the best you can afford.

Whether you’re looking for one of the best indestructible dog beds for chewers, the best large dog beds for sprawlers or a cosy and calming donut dog bed, this is the place to find and compare the best deals. We will be regularly updating this page with the very best Black Friday dog bed deals that we can find – as well as our main deals hub of the best Black Friday deals for dogs.

Quick links

Amazon: Find a wide range of dog bed discounts

Bunty Pet Products: Check out the latest items on sale

Viovet: Loads of Black Friday offers for dogs

Pets & Friends: Save up to 50% across the site

Pets At Home: Black Friday event is here

Go Outdoors: Black Friday Mega deals here

Best early Black Friday dog bed deals

• Biggest savings
• Beds for chewers
• Calming/donut beds
• Orthopaedic beds
• Waterproof beds

Biggest dog bed savings

Dog beds for chewers: deals

Calming dog beds

Orthopaedic dog beds: deals

Waterproof dog beds: deals

Looking for something specific? Check out our buying guides to the…

• Best dog beds for chewers
• Best calming dog beds
• Best orthopaedic and memory foam dog beds
• Best large dog beds
• Best small dog beds
• Best dog beds for puppies
• Best cooling dog beds
• Best waterproof dog beds
• Best dog beds for crates

When is Black Friday 2024?

This year Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November, but in the past many online retailers have kicked off their Black Friday deals more than a week early.

How we find the best Black Friday dog deals

We cover several sale events each year (such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day) and all the deals we share with you are found by members of the Horse & Hound team. This year, that includes me (Franchesca Slack), Georgia Guerin and Bethany Stone. Between us we have 24 year’s of experience writing about products for websites and magazines. I have been bought up around dogs and home is not the same without one. I now own two miniature dachshunds and we love nothing more than going out for a walk then snuggling up on the sofa. As a team we will use our knowledge of popular brands that you love (and what you choose most in our buying guides) and go on the hunt for the best deals – there’s no AI or guesswork here.

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Make the most of equestrian Black Friday bargains with H&H

With the costs associated with keeping a horse continuing to rise, more and more equestrians who want to enjoy regular riding or competing without the full-time commitment are exploring alternatives to ownership, like sharing a horse – which is becoming an increasingly popular option for cash- or time-strapped riders.

Such arrangements can also be attractive for owners, especially those who might need to reduce their daily responsibilities or who want to maximise what time they can spend with their horse – while knowing they’re getting additional attention and exercise when you’re not there.

As the cost of living crisis continues, it has become increasingly common to see owners online advertising for a sharer, which may be on a help in return for rides basis, or shared use of the horse in return for a financial donation towards their upkeep.

However, it’s also quite common to see people recount upsetting stories online about arrangements turned sour. That’s why it’s essential not to rush into a sharing agreement. For it to work well, both parties need to establish mutual trust and have an agreement in place.

Sharing a horse: the essentials

Horse-sharing agreements can vary significantly based on the terms agreed upon by the owner and the sharer. Typically, the owner will designate specific days for the sharer to ride in exchange for a financial contribution, and sometimes help with stable duties.

The contribution amount often depends on factors like the sharer’s riding experience, their interest in competing, and whether their involvement will improve the horse’s training or conditioning. If an owner is primarily seeking a sharer to save time and avoid hiring a paid rider to help maintain their horse’s fitness, they may forgo a financial contribution, while others may request the sharer cover half of the livery fees or even pay for expenses like farrier services.

Regardless, a well-structured, comprehensive written agreement is essential in any horse-sharing arrangement. Both parties must have a clear understanding of their respective contributions, including financial obligations, designated riding and care days, and additional responsibilities such as scheduling the farrier or managing the horse’s medical needs.

The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends creating a mutually acceptable written agreement and advises against committing to terms that will not be upheld in practice. The BHS have drawn up a free-to-download sample loan agreement that can be used as a basic template that can be tailored to meet specific requirements and circumstances of a share agreement.

Ensure that both parties sign the agreement and retain a copy for their records. The British Horse Society (BHS) advises having the agreement reviewed by a qualified legal professional to confirm that all terms are clear, fair, and legally sound.

In a horse-sharing agreement, insurance also plays a crucial role in protecting both the owner and sharer from financial and legal risks. Typically, it’s the owner’s responsibility to maintain insurance for the horse, but it’s important to clarify this and also ensure your insurance company are aware that you’re sharing your horse.

As a sharer, it’s recommended to ensure you have adequate cover for yourself, including public liability insurance. Additional cover could include personal accident insurance, or transport insurance if you’re regularly taking a shared horse to competitions.

Sharing a horse: how to stop it all going wrong?

Effective communication can often resolve misunderstandings about schedules, costs, or responsibilities. But no matter how well an arrangement begins, challenging situations may arise, such as lameness or damage to tack.

It’s strongly recommended to outline a procedure for these events in the initial agreement. If the horse goes lame, the sharer may need to pause their riding days, but financial contributions can remain unaffected if they are supporting fixed expenses, like stable fees.

Tack damage should be similarly addressed, specifying who will bear the cost of repairs or replacement.

The agreement should include a termination clause in case either party wants to end the share. Common practice involves a notice period, typically two to four weeks, which provides both parties time to transition smoothly.

Care must also be taken to avoid structuring the arrangement as a form of horse hire. Charging for a horse’s use without formal licensing can put the owner at risk of unintentionally operating like a riding school, which is heavily regulated.

To remain within legal boundaries, arrangements should clearly state that contributions are toward upkeep costs, not payment for horse hire, and should not imply professional training or instruction by the owner.

Sharing a horse: top tips

Horse-sharing offers substantial benefits for both owners and sharers when structured thoughtfully. Although discussing contracts can feel awkward when one party seems flexible, establishing clear communication, defined responsibilities, and formal paperwork at the start greatly enhances the chances of a positive, rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

• Consider a trial period for both parties, to allow any wobbles to settle down
• If you’re the owner, ensure your sharer has emergency contact information for you, your next of kin, and key contacts such as your horse’s vet, farrier, and yard owner
• Keep a copy of your sharer’s emergency contact details both at home and in the stable, easily accessible if needed
• Help your sharer feel part of the yard by introducing them to other members and providing designated space for their riding gear
• Take time to show them where tack, equipment and grooming supplies are located and how to use them, and consider providing written instructions they can keep in the grooming box or tack room for easy reference
• Ensure the sharer is aware of your horse’s medical history, temperament as well as likes and dislikes

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While you have no problem sharing your household items with your nearest and dearest four-legged love, we have a feeling the non-horsey individuals you share your home with would be less than impressed if they found out their more useful possessions have been covered with lashings of horse slobber and muck.

Here are nine household essentials that you’ve probably taken to the yard on the sly at some point in time…

1. The kitchen scissors

An absolute necessity when trying to open plastic food packaging, but also an absolute necessity when trying to finish off your horse’s summer show trimming schedule in time for his first county competition outing. And when we say trim, we mean hind leg cat hairs as well…

2. Towels

It’s horse owning 101 that after a wash you must dry your horse thoroughly with a nice fluffy towel. Problem is you haven’t had time to buy him his own yet. So your partner’s new beach towel that they were saving for the forthcoming summer holiday will have to do. Towels also come in handy for tack cleaning; the perfect foundation to stop all that grubby, greasy water from spoiling the carpet.

3. Hair brush

Your daughter will likely be none the wiser if you borrow her tangle teaser for a couple of days to brush through your horse’s tail.

4. Washing up sponge

For when you just don’t have a tack cleaning sponge or cloth to hand. A quick rinse and we’re sure it will be fine to wash the pots and pans with…

5. Eyebrow pencil/eye liner

Typical, your horse obtains a small nick on the side of his leg just before his big qualifier. Lucky for you, your room-mate has developed a liking for colouring her eyebrows a shade of dark auburn that handily matches your liver chestnut’s near hind leg. Winning.

6. Vaseline

Petroleum jelly is just the stuff to keep human lips soft and shiny, but it’s also great for keeping a horse’s face moisturised if any chapped skin should arise. Just don’t mention that your application routine involved more than one “pot-to-mouth” smear.

7. Colander

Nothing beats it when you need to scoop broken ice out of a water trough during the winter. Innovation at its finest.

8. Shampoo/hairspray

Sorry I used your pricey salon brand products to wash my horse’s mane and secure his plaits in place, but needs must.

9. Pillow cases

One cannot simply take a coloured or a grey to a show without dedicating all efforts to keeping him clean the night before. With this in mind, I used those silk pillowcases your mother bought us for our anniversary as a tail bag.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Mucking out is never a favourite yard job, particularly in winter. For some, deep litter bedding is the answer — but what are the pros and cons? H&H investigates…

What is deep litter bedding?

Instead of completely mucking out, when using deep litter bedding for horses involves just removing the droppings daily and allowing a thick bed to build up. The idea is to always have a clean layer of bedding on top, with a compacted layer beneath.

There are no hard and fast rules on how often the deep litter bed is completely removed and started again. However, Gemma Stanford, head of welfare at the British Horse Society, advises finding a balance between convenience and welfare.

“It is important that beds do not become too deep and the stable should periodically be completely emptied and thoroughly cleaned. Although this system is the most economical time- and cost-wise, it is the least suitable for the horse’s respiratory health and can cause other health problems too,” she says.

Why do people deep litter?

Time is a big consideration; for example, those who keep horses on livery find deep littering through the week and then changing the bed at a weekend helps when juggling the demands of work, horse and family life. Others argue that the compacted layer at the base of the bed provides additional insulation and warmth.

For stables without rubber mats, it also prevents horses slipping on exposed concrete if they are likely to ‘dig up’ an ordinary bed. Cost is another key factor — once the initial outlay for a deep starter bed has been made, deep littering usually means less bedding is required day-to-day; all that is needed is a scattering of clean bedding on top.

Best bedding to use?

Shavings have traditionally been used for deep littered stables, as they are considered absorbent and easy to poo pick. For larger loose yards, straw is more economical as a deep littering option.

“Different types of bedding materials are used in stables to satisfy the needs of both the horse and the carer. The significant impact that poor quality bedding can have on the health and welfare of the horse, even those stabled for only very short periods of time, should not be underestimated,” says Gemma.

Bedding manufactured from high absorbency materials such as hemp, flax and shredded wood fibre can be a good choice for deep littering. While shredded cardboard and paper has the benefit of being dust free, it’s not usually considered suitable for deep littering as the droppings can be hard to separate out and the wet bedding may stain horses’ coats.

“It’s important to realise that even higher absorbency bedding will only absorb so much. The biggest challenge with deep littering is ammonia from the urine and you will get that no matter what you use unless the bed is removed regularly,” warns vet Joe Mackinder MRCVS, of Malton-based Rainbow Equine Hospital.

Health issues

Ammonia

“This is a massive irritant to the horse’s respiratory system, so any horse with known breathing issues is probably not a candidate for deep littering,” says Joe, who advises making an honest assessment of whether the stabling area is suitable in terms of air circulation and volume.

“Airflow is not the same as a draught, which can be harmful. Small, low ceilinged wooden stables with just a door opening will not have sufficient air circulation to remove ammonia and airborne bacteria.”

Bacterial & parasitic challenges

Unless deep litter beds are kept really clean, the horse is inevitably exposed to more bacterial challenge. For those susceptible to lymphangitis, cellulitis and dermatitis, this can mean an increased health risk.

“It can be very difficult to keep deep littered beds clean enough to prevent susceptible horses being affected. There is also an increased risk of thrush, so good hoof hygiene is crucial,” says Joe.

“Be aware, too, that beds which are not removed regularly are more prone to a build up of mites and lice. Deep littered stables should be completely emptied, washed and disinfected regularly to deal with this and problems like ringworm.”

Dust and mould

It’s crucial to choose clean, dry and dust/mould free bedding – both for your horse’s respiratory health and your own. “Expecting staff to work with dusty or mouldy bedding materials is unacceptable,” says Gemma.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Two leading charities are urging struggling owners to rehome horses now – to avoid a “winter welfare crisis”.

In the wake of a National Equine Welfare Council survey showing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on horse owners, World Horse Welfare and Blue Cross have encouraged people to consider rehoming over the summer.

The survey showed that more than 7,000 horse-owning households could be in this position, and the charities have urged them to act now rather than wait till winter, when conditions will be harder and more horses may be in need of new homes.

“Rehoming your horse during the summer gives both the horse and the new owner the best chance of a smooth transition,” said World Horse Welfare deputy chief executive Tony Tyler. “Waiting until winter can be far more difficult for everyone involved, and this is the main time of year people decide to rehome their horses, so there will be far more competition for homes just at the time it becomes much harder to care for your horses. We know many people understandably hang on to their horses for as long as possible, but it may be in everyone’s best interest to plan ahead and start the process now.”

The survey found that a “significant number” of owners are considering rehoming owing to the increased cost of essentials from livery to feed.

Blue Cross horse welfare manager Ruth Court said: “Our priority is always the welfare of the horses. With 98% of concerned owners worrying about their financial situation regarding horse care over the next year, we strongly encourage anyone struggling to seek advice and consider rehoming now before the winter.

“We and World Horse Welfare offer advice lines where you can talk in confidence to a kind and understanding member of our teams, and they will discuss options with you. It’s so important to do this before it is too late and the horse has started to suffer and stands the risk of becoming a welfare case.”

H&H has put collated further advice for horse owners who can no longer afford to keep their horse.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A national survey has revealed a “worrying picture” owing to the cost-of-living crisis as many owners are working more and even going without food to ensure their horses are cared for.

The National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) has released the results of its latest survey on the cost of living, which was completed by more than 6,000 owners from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

The results show that 81% of respondents were concerned about the continued pressure of increased costs, and 39% said the crisis had had a medium or high impact on their ability to keep their horses and they had had to make additional sacrifices to provide basic care.

A fifth (20%) of respondents had taken on another job or increased their hours to help pay for their horses’ care, 2% said they were considering giving their horses to a charity owing to increased costs and 5% were considering euthanasia.

Rebecca Boulert, education officer at World Horse Welfare, which is coordinating this year’s survey, said, “We know from last year’s research that many owners were just about coping, all possible cost savings had already been made, so they really were feeling the pressure. This year’s survey shows that these problems are just not going away.

“Owners’ main concerns for the coming year are how they are going to afford even essential items like vet costs, emergency care, feed and forage. For us as welfare organisations, it makes for very concerning reading, and of course as charities we are also facing increased costs and reducing donations. It’s a worrying picture.”

Umbrella organisation NEWC, members of which include governing bodies, educational establishments and welfare charities, wanted to gain a picture of the situation to help the development of support for those who need it most, and help prevent welfare issues arising.

One survey respondent said: “I can’t afford to call vets out of hours any more. I rent a field and can’t afford a proper horse shelter or stables. I can’t afford the farrier regularly.”

Another said: “Everything increased resulting in it becoming impossible to continue to keep my horse in work, so she’s now been retired to a field.”

A third said they had had to go without food to feed their horse.

“Large numbers of horse owners are working incredibly hard to minimise the impact of the high cost of living on the horses they care for and love,” a NEWC spokesperson said.

“Many have exhausted the cost-cutting avenues available to them and are now taking steps that involve significant personal sacrifice, sometimes even to the point of compromising their own wellbeing. There is also a growing tendency to reduce the use of routine preventative horse care and delay veterinary involvement to investigate and treat health issues, which could leave equines more vulnerable to compromised welfare.

“Not being able to provide fully for their equines further increases the stress placed on owners. It is evident that some people have already reached a point where they are no longer able to fully meet their horses’ essential needs.

“There is a clear risk of further situations emerging where equine welfare falls below acceptable standards if economic conditions persist, particularly during the winter.”

Some respondents said that despite the pressure of costs, horses were so important to their mental health, they were not prepared to give them up. Others highlighted issues relating to concerns about climate change, such as the impact of wet winters on turnout.

There were positive welfare outcomes recorded, such as the fact some horses are being turned out for longer or living out, and owners opting for testing-led worm control programmes.

The results of both surveys will be shared with the UK Government, devolved administrations and local authorities to “help inform their understanding of the situation as well as policy decisions, including potential financial support to those most in need”.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Most horse owners at some stage will consider whether they want to invest in a horsebox or trailer. You can get by without your own transport, but whether it’s competing, hunting, fun rides or even taking the horse to the vet, at some stage it feels more practical to have your own set of wheels rather than begging lifts or hiring transport on demand.

A trailer is towed behind your car. As such, you need to have a sufficiently powerful and heavy car to match up to the trailer’s weight with a horse. Horses typically travel facing forwards in trailers, but some of the larger models now offer herringbone or rear-facing stalls, giving more options to keep horses comfortable while on the road.

The best trailers tend to be more popular with those who compete less often and therefore don’t want a horsebox taking up half the drive when it’s not in use so frequently. And if you’ve only one horse to transport, you may not need require as much space as lorry offers.

A horsebox is a lorry designed – or converted – specifically to travel horses. There are rear-facing, forward-facing and herringbone options. Like trailers, there is a big range in size from two-horse 3.5t horseboxes with minimal living area, to vast 10-horse trucks with room for a small family to camp in style. Horseboxes – also known as lorries — tend to be the preferred option for professional riders. They typically look smarter, take a string of horses, and have space to entertain owners in the living area.

Trailers: the pros

• Trailers are cheaper than lorries on several levels. Their price-tag is lower as an initial investment, and their running costs are lower, because there is less to maintain, ie no engine, no MOT/plating, nor road tax
• Fuel: even a diesel 4×4 car towing a load is cheaper to refuel than a horsebox
• Since December 2021, the rule has been scrapped that prohibited drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 from driving a trailer without an additional trailer test. This cuts out the need for additional fees and time-consuming qualifications. However, driving a trailer isn’t completely straightforward so it’s advisable to undergo training before transporting horses
• You can park, unhitch and drive away unencumbered when you don’t need the trailer, for instance when you are stabling your horse at a show and want to nip out to buy food
• Your trailer will usually have basic cover as part of your car insurance policy. However, it is advisable to have dedicated horse trailer insurance, as well as specialist breakdown to cover recovery of your horses

Cons

• You need an appropriate car for towing. This is only really a con if you have to upgrade your current vehicle. However, just because a car has a towbar does not mean it’s fit, or legal, to pull a trailer. Be aware, too, that straining the car will reduce its working life. The total weight of what you are towing (the trailer, plus the weight of everything on board) must not weigh more than the car’s maximum towing capacity (MTC), which can be found in your car’s handbook
• Most trailers have stalls for only two horses, and the larger ones that have three or even four berths need a very powerful car to tow them safely
• Most trailers are not designed for overnight stays, although some people are prepared to camp in the horse area if the need arises. The few that do have separate living or tack areas, tend to need a larger towing vehicle
• Many drivers find them harder to drive and manoeuvre, especially reversing down a narrow country lane, but it is vital that you are confident and skilled at driving with a trailer before putting horses on board

Horsebox or trailer: ‘Running costs are next to nothing’

Kirsty Morton switched from a 7.5t lorry to a 3.9t in 2020, but when her new horse didn’t travel in the smaller (rear-facing) lorry, she switched to a trailer and Jeep, in which he travels “perfectly”.

“At first I hated the trailer; I felt like I had dropped down in the world as I absolutely loved the lorry,” says Kirsty, who competes in British Showjumping. “But a good six months in, I wouldn’t change it – there are so many pros.”

Kirsty lists running costs and cheaper fuel as key advantages: “The days of £1,000-plus per year running costs are gone. And I now have a nice Jeep for running about in, and the flexibility at a stay-away show to nip out for food.”

On the downside, she misses the space, both the living area and room to tack up.

“But with the rising costs of everything, I won’t be staying away as much, and if I were to stay away, I could get a nice B&B or Travelodge.”

Horseboxes: the pros

• Most people believe horses travel better in lorries. There tends to be more space and the suspension can be better in a lorry, affording a smoother ride and minimising the effects of bumpy roads
• You can drive a 3.5t horsebox on your car licence (B category) without additional qualifications
• The larger the horsebox, the more horses you can transport, though this is subject to the payload, so don’t assume just because you a two-berth lorry, you can legally take two large horses. But overall, you simply have more space, for the horses, kit and people
• Most lorries do have some living area, which gives the option of at least being able to shelter from the wind and rain and enjoy a cup of hot tea – or more formal hosting for riders with clients. The larger lorries have a sizeable, well-fitted room with plenty of space for a small family to camp during shows
• The majority of larger lorries have access directly through from the living area to the stalls. This means that you may not need to get out of the truck if you need to check on the horses during the journey or in an emergency
• Horseboxes are steadier in high winds
• They look smarter, and therefore besides having the space to carry a string, are the preferred choice for the professional rider

Cons

• Initial expense: horseboxes are typically much more expensive to purchase than trailers, as they are larger, with more facilities, have their own engine and are a vehicle in their own right
• Ongoing expense: the running costs of a horsebox are higher than a trailer, because it is effectively like having another vehicle on the road (and you’ll also need a car for everyday use). This means it needs an MOT/plating, insurance, servicing and general maintenance/repairs
• Unless you passed your regular driving test before January 1997, for a horsebox between 3.5t and 7.5t you need a C1 licence and to take a DVSA test. Above 7.5t, all drivers need the category C lorry licence for up to 32t. This takes time: you need a medical from the doctor, a two-part theory test and then HGV training, which can cost up to £3,000
• You need to be really careful not to go overweight in a horsebox – especially if you are transporting more than one horse/pony in a 3.5T, but also many 7.5T lorries partitioned for three horses do not have sufficient payload to carry three along with all their associated kit. Take the lorry to the weighbridge to check you are within the limits
• If you’re at a show and want to nip out to shops, your only vehicle is a horsebox, which is both unwieldy on country lanes and in car parks, as well as expensive on fuel
• A trailer pulled by a strong 4×4 is easier to extract from a muddy field than a horsebox which has to wait its turn for the tractor tow

Horsebox or trailer: ‘far less stressful in the lorry’

Liz Roberts switched from a trailer to a 7.5t lorry. She has a 17hh Irish Sport Horse competing at medium and a semi-retired advanced medium 16.3hh gelding who works as a voluntary police horse, plus a rescue pony who acts as a travelling companion.

“Having two big horses we’ve found it is far less stressful in the lorry than when we towed,” Liz says. “We love the fact that when we arrive at a show or home, with a trailer you tend to explode out of it, with stuff rammed in all over the place, the car smells of sweaty saddle cloths – with a lorry, it stays in the lorry.

“We can bring a few spares, the day living is super for a quick cuppa and somewhere dry to sit.”

However, Liz does acknowledge the higher costs.

“It is more expensive – at least £1,000 to £2,000 per year to get through the annual test. The current cost of fuel is making us think twice, but to have a vehicle big enough to tow two 16.3hh horses safely would mean for everyday driving the fuel consumption would be higher. Instead, we have an economical car for everyday use. Insurance is relatively cheap for our 22-year-old lorry.”

Horsebox and trailer

Like so many things, it’s horses for courses. Some people flipflop between the two modes of transport throughout their horse-owning life depending on their needs at the time, financial situation and horsepower – others keep both, using whichever suits the day’s predicament.

Kellie Fisher has owned a 7.5t, two 3.5ts and two trailers during her eventing career, changing modes according to “cost, environmental and personal reasons”.

“I started with a 3.5t because I was 18 and it was the only option I could drive legally,” she says. “My next horse had to travel herringbone after losing his footing in a trailer so I bought a 7.5t and it was wonderful having the storage space and I enjoyed sharing lifts with friends.”

Her next 3.5t had living but only had the payload for one horse, which eventually proved limiting, and so she switched to an IW Eventa trailer, which includes herringbone stalls and living accommodation.

“It was amazing for eventing with lots of storage, overnight and day living, plus so economical compared to a lorry,” she says. “We had hoped to change our car for something more environmentally minded, but nothing electric in our price range could tow the Eventa, so I bit the bullet and had a 7.5t lorry built to specification.”

Now with a giant breed dog and a toddler, and plenty of experience on exactly what she wants from her horse transport, Kellie is thrilled with her Tristar non-coachbuilt (a cheaper option) lorry.

“I would prefer greater economy and less environmental impact in terms of diesel, but we have chosen to have an electric car instead. I’m hoping electric/biofuel lorries become mainstream soon!”

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If you’re looking for an effective way to protect your horse from flies on a budget, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best cheap fly rugs – all with an RRP of under £50, and there are plenty with discounts on top of that. They might not offer as many technical features as one of the best fly rugs but, if your horse is sensitive and money is tight, a cheap fly rug is ten times better than no fly rug at all. You can always top up the protection with one of the best fly masks or best fly sprays if you need to.

Some of the best budget fly rugs do offer some of the more technical features. The rug might have great UV protection, an anti-rub lining, a belly flap or a detachable neck, but it’s unlikely to have them all, so you just need to work out which features are most important to you.

Best fly rugs with an RRP under £50

Saxon Mesh Combo Neck

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in

UV protection: 96%

This value fly rug, which is from a WeatherBeeta brand, is made of a fine weave mesh outer that keeps the insects out while keeping your horse cool. It has a standard tail flap and fastens with a twin surcingle chest closure, twin low cross surcingles and double touch-tape closures on the neck. It also blocks an impressive amount of UV.

Gallop Classic Combo Fly Rug

Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft

UV protection: Yes

This fly rug has a fixed neck with a headcollar loop and stretchy Lycra insert at the wither. It has elasticated detachable leg straps and buckle adjustments at the chest. The nylon lining at the chest also helps to prevent rubs. All in all, quite a few handy features for a low price.

Shires Tempest Original Combo Fly Rug

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in

UV protection: 80%

RRP: £47.99

This breathable, lightweight and airy rug provides a barrier to biting insects without preventing airflow. The rug features buckle chest fastenings, cross surcingles and an adjustable fillet strap.

Rhinegold Fly Rug With Detachable Neck

Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft

UV protection: Yes

This zebra print fly rug has a detachable neck, which not many styles do – so it’s perfect if you need the extra versatility. It’s made of a super-fine lightweight mesh has a satin chest lining to help prevent rubbing. It also features a cotton towelling spine section that helps wick away sweat, a generous tail guard, adjustable legstraps, and is fastened with buckles at the chest.

Fouganza Fly Sheet

Sizes: 115–155cm

This airy mesh rug has three chest straps as well as three or four neck fastenings, depending on the size of the rug. It features belly and tail flaps in addition to a long neck cover for maximum coverage. The extended detachable neck ensures coverage while your horse is grazing.

Masta Vento Fly Rug

Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in

Made from a soft mesh fabric to enable airflow, this fly rug has touch-tape fastenings to the neck, twin surcingle chest fastenings and cross surcingles at the belly. The design now has an added neck insert, which allows for freedom of movement while grazing, by moving with your horse and helping to relieve wither pressure. It also has an anti-rub lining along the neck and shoulders.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Owners struggling to care for their horses have been encouraged to reach out for help “before situations spiral out of control”, as a new compassionate advice and support service is launched.

World Horse Welfare has created the Help for Horse Owners initiative, with the aim of “preventing serious welfare cases by providing early intervention”.

Owners can request a support call from World Horse Welfare and use the online resources hub, which gives details of organisations that can provide advice on things such as financial challenges and debt, or poor mental or physical health.

• Visit the Help for Horse Owners webpage.

“Many people know our charity rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes horses in need throughout Britain. What they may not be aware of is that a large part of the work that our field officers do on a daily basis is helping owners to better care for their horses,” said Sam Chubbock, World Horse Welfare’s head of UK support.

“Owners and their families often approach us for help when their circumstances have changed, meaning they are struggling to provide the necessary care. However, we also understand how difficult it can be to ask for help — which is why we have developed our Help for Horse Owners support service.”

Ms Chubbock added that the charity’s focus is trying to keep families and their animals together when this is the best option for them in the long term.

“We do this in a variety of ways, including helping horse owners change their management practices or signposting them to other areas of support they might not know about” she said.

A World Horse Welfare spokesman said winter can be particularly difficult for owners, and the cost-of-living crisis means keeping horses is “ever more challenging”.

“Owners may already have found that they can no longer cope. Some make sacrifices in other areas of their lives so they can care for their horses, but, if the situation is further complicated by other matters such as ill health, advancing age or a change in personal circumstances this can tip them into an increasingly difficult and desperate spiral,” he said.

“In addition to requesting a support call and using the resources hub, our UK-wide network of field officers can make in-person visits to assess situations and provide hands-on practical advice.”

Owner Jo contacted World Horse Welfare when she found herself struggling to care for her ponies when she became ill.

“I was in a real pickle and called World Horse Welfare for advice. I spoke to a lovely lady on the phone and she arranged a visit from Penny, who came to meet me and the ponies. I can’t say how helpful she was, she didn’t judge me but explained the various options and was there for me to talk through each one,” said Jo.

“She made several visits, getting to know me and the ponies, and her gentle support finally helped me decide what was the best option for each of my ponies. Without a doubt everyone at World Horse Welfare was as compassionate to me as to my ponies at a difficult time.”

You might also be interested in:

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

You can’t put a price on safety – and H&H recommends you always choose a hat that meets the up to the current riding hat standards – but a higher price doesn’t always mean a safer hat, so you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to find a suitable, stylish, comfortable riding hat. If you’re looking for a cheap riding hat you’ll have to forgo the latest technology, such as MIPS, that you might find featuring in some of the best riding hats, but you can still find adjustable riding hats and ventilated options that look smart, meet your needs and the current safety standards.

Riding hats for children are not subject to VAT in the UK, so you’ll notice that some styles are cheaper in the smaller sizes. All the riding hats listed in this guide are less than £100, no matter the size and whether you’re buying for an adult or child.

Before making your final selection, it’s worth reading up on how riding hats are tested – this will help you understand the difference between each standard and why some hats have multiple. It will also show you that some cheap riding hats are tested in more scenarios than some of the most expensive options.

Best riding hats under £100

Shires Karben Avena

Colours: Black, navy or grey

Sizes: S–L (53–61cm)

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: From £82.99

This helmet is about as smart as you can get – it has a smooth outer with attractive shiny accents and smart trims – and it meets the highest British safety standard, too. To help keep you cool, it has front and rear air vents, a thermoregulating mesh liner and wicking headband, which takes away any sweat to help prevent hat hair. It’s available in three sizes, each with a micro-adjustable dial system to help you find the perfect fit.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk

Champion Junior Plus Jockey Helmet

Colours: Black

Sizes: 49–62cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1

RRP: £89.99

This jockey skull has a simple, classic design on the outside and fun cartoon lining on the inside. It meets the highest British safety standard, so you know your child is protected when they’re in the saddle. It’s light enough for smaller heads while the inner crown padding will keep children comfortable when they’re riding, too. All sizes of this helmet are VAT exempt.

In the UK? View now at naylors.com, oakfield-direct.co.uk or gooutdoors.co.uk

Shires Karben Carmella Riding Hat

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: S–L (53–61cm)

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: From £82.99

With the largest sizes coming in at just under £100, this Karben helmet is another great option. Like the Avena, it has cooling vents and a mesh lining to prevent hat hair, as well as a micro-adjustable dial system for a good fit, but instead of the smooth shell it has a synthetic suede finish for a different look.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk

Charles Owen Young Rider’s Jockey

Colours: Black

Sizes: 49–62cm, in standard or round

Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1

RRP: £80

This deep-fitting helmet is available in round fit as well as standard fit, which is just what some heads need for a comfy fit. It has ten ventilation holes for optimum breathability to prevent sweaty heads. All sizes of this helmet are VAT exempt.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or oakfield-direct.co.uk

Whitaker New Rider Generation Riding Helmet

Colours: Black, navy, black/sparkle or navy/sparkle

Sizes: XS–L

Standards: ASTM F1163 (with SEI mark), VG1

RRP: £99.95

The NRG helmet has a smooth, matte effect outer with two large front vents adorned with silver sparkles. The breathable lining is removable and machine washable, so your hat can be kept fresh and clean. It’s available in four shell sizes, with an adjustable dial system that means you can finely tune the fit for you.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com 

Premier Equine Endeavour Riding Helmet

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: S–L

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £95

This lightweight, stylish helmet has a matte finish and gloss details. It features an antibacterial, moisture-wicking, padded liner that can be removed, washed and replaced. It also has a dial system to adjust the fit, discrete ventilation points, and a fully adjustable four-point harness with a subtly padded chin guard.

In the UK? View now at oakfield-direct.co.uk

Rhinegold Pro Riding Hat

Colours: Black, black/grey or navy

Sizes: 6⅜–7½

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: From £69.95

This hat has a soft-feel harness in addition to a removable, washable liner and ventilation holes along the front. It would make a perfect choice if you have regular lessons at a riding school.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Whitaker Horizon

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: S–L

Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1

RRP: From £79.95

You can get this hat for much lower than the RRP, so it’s a great value. It has a sporty look with a multi-texture design. It also benefits from a patented side impact protection system, has a removable and a washable Coolmax lining, plus nine air vents and a synthetic leather chin strap.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Should I buy a second hand riding hat?

In short, no, do not be tempted to buy a second hand riding hat. Even if it meets that current required standards for your chosen activity, it can be impossible to tell whether it’s been damaged and, therefore, whether it will adequately protect your head. Lots of the best riding hats are expensive, but there are plenty of cheaper options that will meet your needs, too.

You might also like:

10 riding hats that are perfect for children

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Use your head: how riding hats are tried and tested before use

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

This weekend, why not have some fun, rope in some volunteers and get creative with our helpful inspiration for how to make your own jumps? While we would all love a course of professional showjumps, not everyone can afford a beautiful set to rival to the top show centres. You also may find yourself hours away from your nearest cross-country schooling venue.

“You don’t have to get too worried about making anything too professional,” says eventer Sharon Hunt. “It doesn’t have to look brilliant, as long as it’s safe and you can make it yourself!”

How to make your own jumps

1. Tyres

Robust, long-lasting and very attainable. Tyres can have multiple uses — from raising poles, to being cut in half and used as makeshift fillers. Contact local garages and scrap yards and keep your eyes peeled on social media selling sites where you can often pick up tyres that are being given away.

2. Plastic barrels

Plastic barrels can act as great jump wings. Fill with sand to weigh them down and you can purchase barrel jump-cups online to hang on the barrels and hold the poles, turning them into your own showjumps. Just make sure they are weighted or fixed so they can’t roll.

Or think cross-country. “I use blue plastic barrels a lot,” says five-star eventer Kitty King. “I use two barrels with a short pole between them to create skinnies, or I jump a single barrel with poles for arrowhead practice. These can be done on grass or an arena. You can build corner jumps and angles too — it’s great in the arena for introducing horses to cross-country ideas.”

3. Pallets

Wooden pallets are a firm favourite with equestrians for their versatility. They can sometimes be picked up from distribution companies that discard them and can then be broken down into sections providing materials for building wings, gates and fillers. Just make sure there are no protruding nails or wooden shards that might cause an injury.

“When I very first started, I remember I didn’t have a gate and there was always one at Hickstead and so my dad got a pallet and built a gate out of one,” says showjumper Nicole Pavitt.

4. MDF

Sheets of MDF are inexpensive and can be purchased from DIY stores. If you’re feeling artistic why not paint your own filler design? Join these together with bolts to feet made from pallets and you can have your own bespoke fillers.

“I’ve used pieces of MDF in front of barrels to make a nice skinny fence, ” says Kitty.

5. Poles and Planks

Sawmills and agricultural stores often sell wooden poles at a considerably cheaper rate to showjump poles. Leave them rustic or get creative and paint them any colour you choose for your own personalised jump poles.

“Paint them really bright — the brighter the better!” says Sharon, who has been doing more showjumping in recent years. “I used to knock down the Hickstead plank so we painted our own planks red with our names in white, exactly like the Hickstead ones to practise at home. It’s good to practise the things you have problems with. We used to speak to a local paint company and they would sometimes give us the leftover paint that nobody wanted.”

6. Hedges and logs

If you have your own land at home, you could be sitting on your own cross-country course. Sharon explains how basic raw materials helps her train for cross-country at home.

“We use logs cut down from trees and if you have a wooded area you can put some jumps in and out of, so when you go through you are jumping from light to dark,” she says. “If you have hedges between your fields you could trim them down and then jump in and out over it. You can make things really simply just using the things you have.”

7. Blankets

“I make coffin jumps simply using poles and a blanket,” says Kitty. “I’ll put a blue blanket on the ground with poles either side — just make sure the sides are pinned down so they don’t blow up and spook the horse!”

8. Plant pots

A plain looking jump can be made into a Hickstead-worthy fence in no time. Look around the garden and make the most of plant pots with bright flowers that can work really well under fences. Just don’t borrow anyone’s prize specimens without asking first!

9. Water jumps

Sharon remembers practising water trays at home by taking advantage of the great British weather.

“Our school would sometimes flood and I’d simply build a fence around that. Use the things you have to your advantage,” she says.

10. Recycle

Before you throw out old poles or fence posts, cut off the broken ends and so you have a short pole to create a skinny.

Safety first

When making your own jumps, always make safety the first priority. Care should always be taken when working with wood to ensure all nails are removed and there are no screws sticking out that could cause injury.

“Horses do have accidents and can stop at things so you have to use wood that won’t shatter or splinter and remember to make it jumpable and inviting,” says Sharon. “The jump has to be safe.”

You may also be interested to read…

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Ditches can be the problem area for many horses on a cross-country course. Here we try to break down how

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Equine welfare charities have launched a new survey to find out if the cost-of-living crisis has worsened for owners over the last 12 months.

The survey is a follow-up to the 2023 National Equine Welfare Committee (NEWC) survey, which received 8,000 responses. Findings included that almost one in five participants said they are having to consider difficult decisions such as sale, sharing or euthanasia of their horses, owing to rising costs.

The new survey, launched yesterday (16 January) has been developed by World Horse Welfare with support from NEWC partner organisations Redwings, Blue Cross, the British Horse Society, Bransby Horses, and Oak Tree Animals Charity

“Anyone who cares for horses will be able to contribute to an understanding of how increased costs are affecting their ability to care for their animals, and this information will feed into the development of targeted support for those most in need and help prevent welfare issues arising,” said a spokesman for the project.

Take the survey here

Rebecca Boulert, World Horse Welfare education officer, said it is “imperative” for charities dealing with cases where individuals are unable to care for their horses because of financial reasons, to understand if the situation has worsened over the last 12 months.

“We know from last year’s research that many owners were just about coping, and all possible cost savings had already been made, but that left little room for a further squeeze on purses,” she said.

“This year’s survey aims to show whether things have stabilised, improved or deteriorated, allowing us to plan and act accordingly. We really hope as many horse owners as possible engage with the research and complete the survey, regardless of whether or not they were involved in last year’s project.”

A tailored version of the survey targeting charities and other equestrian rescue centres will run concurrently to find out how the continuing cost-of-living crisis is affecting these organisations. Those involved will be contacted directly by NEWC to take part.

The anonymised results from the surveys will be made public to “highlight any challenges and concerns that owners are facing”, and their potential impact on equine welfare. The results will also be shared with the UK Government, devolved administrations, and local authorities to help inform their understanding of the situation, as well as policy decisions, including “potential financial support for those most in need”.

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‘Winter has hit the equine community hard’: cost-of-living concerns continue

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Charity rehoming figures have dropped in 2023, as owners continue to feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

Although inflation has eased compared to last year, families continue to face high food, fuel and energy bills. A survey run by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) last winter showed that one in five of more than 8,000 owners surveyed said they were having to consider difficult decisions, such as sale, sharing or euthanasia of their horses, owing to rising costs (news, 13 July).

Redwings chief executive Lynn Cuttress told H&H with the increased cost of living the charity “anticipated an increased number of calls for help”.

“However we haven’t seen the influx of welfare cases we were expecting since then and that seems to be the consensus across the sector – it’s a waiting game and the NEWC survey will be rerun this winter to keep an eye on the state of play as the winter progresses.”

By December Redwings had taken in 104 equines this year, and rehomed 101.

“While this was less than our record 147 homes found in 2022, this is still a vital way that Redwings can continue to manage our capacity, so we are able to continue our life-saving front-line welfare work,” said Ms Cutress.

The RSPCA took in 444 equines in 2023, up 15% on 2022.

“This year we rehomed 82 horses, which is a drop of more than 50% on last year, which is a trend across the rehoming sector as the cost of living takes its toll,” RSPCA equine specialist Mark Kennedy told H&H.

World Horse Welfare had 301 admissions across its four centres, including foals born at the charity from pregnant mares taken in.

“This is around 50 horses higher than [each of] the last two years, but is a return to pre-Covid levels; we took in 369 in 2019. Our rehoming levels have dropped from the record 300 rehomed a year during the pandemic, with 279 rehomed this year, back to more normal levels,” said a World Horse Welfare spokesman.

“Sadly, we continue to see a number of welfare intakes involving large numbers of horses with multi-agency cooperation. All rehomed horses remain in our ownership for life, and we always take them back if circumstances for the rehomers change. Although the number of rehomed horses returned is slightly higher this year, when we look at the proportion of all horses currently out, the return rate has remained stable.”

Bransby Horses took in 119 equines, compared to 150 last year. The charity rehomed 83 in 2023 and 109 in 2022.

“Throughout the year we have responded to abandoned horses that have not been microchipped, this makes it very difficult for us or the authorities to trace and owner. Twenty-two equines have been signed over to the charity under the Control of Horses Act to date this year,” a Bransby spokesman told H&H.

“This winter has hit the equine community hard, so we are expecting an increase in calls for support and welfare concerns as we head into 2024.”

You might also be interested in:

Owners go without heating and hot water to afford their horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

They are one of the biggest investments in a rider’s wardrobe, so it’s vital that you know how to clean riding boots to ensure they not only look smart, but last well too. Whether you have short riding boots or long ones, keeping them clean and supple is as important as proper care of your horse’s tack.

The gleaming riding boots the cavalry wear on parade are so shiny they look patent, but it takes the soldiers four hours. Thankfully, to keep your everyday riding boots in good condition should only take 15 minutes.

How to clean riding boots: step-by-step

Before getting going, gather together everything you need to clean your riding boots: a damp cloth and a couple of dry ones, and a soft-bristled brush (as you would use to polish shoes). To keep the leather in optimal condition, only use products designed for leather. Put together a boot-cleaning kit consisting of a leather cleaner, a leather conditioner and a leather polish. A useful extra is a waterproofing spray for additional protection against the elements. Resist the temptation to use household cleaners even when the boots are caked in mud and grease.

First, remove all the mud, dirt, grease and dust with the damp cloth. Use the brush to clean the zips on long riding boots or elastic parts of the short boots, and remove caked-on dirt from any stitching. For stronger action on more stubborn dirt, apply the leather cleaner.

Don’t forget the soles – you can usually remove the mud with a stiffer brush, then wipe with the damp cloth.

It’s important to clean dirt regularly from the boots because it can dry out the boot making them increasingly prone to the leather cracking or for the stitching to rot.

Now for the polish. Apply the cream or polish to clean, dry leather with a soft dry rag, avoiding the zips or elasticated parts. Give the leather a few minutes to absorb the cream. Then it’s time for the elbow grease to make the boots shine. Use another rag or a soft brush to buff the boots until they gleam.

If the zips are getting sticky, make sure you brush out any mud, dirt and debris. You can use the old housewives’ trick of rubbing a candle up and down the zip to improve its function, or use a specifically designed lubricant, such as Zipper-Ease.

Finally, always store your riding boots in boot trees to ensure they keep their shape. You can get short boot trees or long ones to suit. These prevent wrinkles in the boot, and also help the boot to dry out. Boot bags are great way to store boots, and they keep them safe from damage while travelling, too.

You may also like to read…

Long and short riding boots that won’t break the bank

Riding boots: long or short – which is best for you?

Best short riding boots for riders of all ages and abilities

16 of the best long leather riding boots for every budget

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re looking to grab some dog toys for a bargain price, then you’ve come to the right place...

Dogs need toys all year round to keep them entertained – and you need a constant supply if you have an enthusiastic chewer – so finding the best Black Friday dog toy deals is a great way to save a bit of money while ensuring your dog still gets the best you can afford.

Whether you’re looking for one of the best teething toys for puppies, the best puzzle toys for dogs or one of the toughest dog toys, this is the place to find and compare the best deals. We will be regularly updating this page with the very best Black Friday dog toy deals that we can find – as well as our main deals hub of the best Black Friday deals for dogs.

Quick links

Amazon: Black Friday deals on pet supplies

Viovet: Big savings on a wide range of toys

Pets & Friends: Save up to 50% across the site

Pets At Home: Black Friday event is here

Best Black Friday dog toy deals

When is Black Friday 2023?

This year Black Friday falls on Friday 24 November, but in the past many of the top online retailers have kicked off their Black Friday deals more than a week early.

What is Black Friday?

For consumers and retailers in the UK, Black Friday is a recent phenomenon, but it has been going strong the United States for decades.

Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving and is traditionally seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season, with high street retailers opening their doors at the crack of dawn and offering big discounts for shoppers who have set their alarm clocks.

The rise of internet shopping has allowed the Black Friday tradition to spread throughout the world, and it hasn’t passed the equestrian world by either. From your local tack shop to massive online retailers, there will be great discounts to be had.

You might also like:

Just chew on that: the toughest dog toys for powerful chewers

Best chew toys for chomping dogs

Best puppy toys to soothe teething pain or anxiety, and for playtime

Best teething toys for puppies to stop inappropriate chewing and relieve gums

6 of the best puzzle toys to boost your dog’s IQ (and keep him out of mischief)

Black Friday is today! Here are deals for dogs (and their owners) that you don’t want to miss

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

We’re all shopping a bit more frugally this year and trying to save money on horse kit, but when it comes to rugging your horse you want to buy the best you can afford – either that or your horse is a known rug trasher so you’re looking for the best cheap horse rugs to last one season. When buying a rug on a budget, you may have to forgo the most technical and time-saving features, such as a fillet strap in place of an adjustable, elasticated or detachable leg straps. You may also be limited to cheaper fixings and fabrics, such as those with lower denier ratings. But if these features aren’t on your list of essentials, you could find yourself a bargain.

We’ve rounded up a selection of the best turnout rugs to choose from if you’re on a budget. Some have RRPs at the lower end of the market, while others are more pricey, but are the entry level range for a particular brand. Many brands, such as WeatherBeeta and Shires, have multiple ranges aimed at different price points – for every brand that does this we’ve included their most budget-friendly option. This can be really helpful if you know a particular brand is the perfect shape for your horse.

If you look after your rugs by repairing, washing and reproofing them when required, a cheaper rug can last your horse years. If you’re looking for deals on the best turnout rugs or best stable rugs at the higher end of the market, try checking the clearance sales at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk

We’ve grouped our selections of the best budget rugs by type so that you can find what you’re looking for quickly…

• best budget turnout rugs
• best budget stable rugs
• best budget fly rugs

Best budget turnout rugs

JHL Essential turnout rugs

Fills: 0g, 80g, 200g, 350g

Style: Standard or combo

Outer: 600D ripstop

Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft

RRP: From £55 (for 0g) – £129.99 (350g)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

The JHL Essential range is owned by the same company as the Mark Todd collection. These rugs have a 600D ripstop outer, nylon lining and fully taped seams. They benefit from anti-rub shoulder linings, shoulder gussets and a gusseted tail flap. They fasten with adjustable buckle and clips at the chest, adjustable cross surcingles and adjustable, removable leg straps. They also have fleece protection at the wither, and the standard necks have three D rings to attach a neck cover that can be purchased separately.

We’ve tested and reviewed the 200g medium weight JHL Essential turnout as well as the 80g lightweight.

View the 0g standard neck at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

View the 80g standard neck at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

View the 200g standard neck at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 200g combo now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

View the 350g combo now at gsequestrian.co.uk

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Classic turnout rugs

Fills: 0g,100g, 220g, 300g

Style: Standard or combo neck

Outer: 600D ripstop

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in

RRP: From £87.99 (0g standard) – £109.99 (combo 300g)

WeatherBeeta produces high quality rugs that consistently score well when we review them. The ComFiTec Classic range has the least frills, but still benefits from all the WeatherBeeta patterns and technologies. The rugs have a 600D ripstop outer shells that are waterproof and breathable, and they all have a lining, traditional side gusset and twin adjustable front buckle fastenings. They also feature fleece at the wither, adjustable and removable leg straps, twin low cross surcingles and a standard tail flap. The standard neck rugs are fitted with three D rings to attach necks that can be purchased separately. All rugs have a three year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability.

View the 0g standard neck now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com

View the 0g combo now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com

View the 100g standard neck now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com

View the 100g combo now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 220g standard neck now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 220g combo now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 300g combo now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

Shires Typhoon turnout rugs

Fills: 0g, 100g, 200g

Style: Standard or combo

Outer: 840D

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in

RRP: From £48.99 (for 0g standard) – £70.99 (for 200g combo)

The Typhoon turnouts have a higher denier than any other rug in this guide – so they could be your best option if you’re shopping for a rug tearer. They have T-bar chest fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles and a fillet strap, which makes them quick and easy to put on and remove. The combo neck covers have touch-tape fastenings, and the waterproof and breathable outer shell has taped seams and a durable, water-repellent finish.

View the 0g standard neck now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 0g combo now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 100g standard now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 100g combo now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 200g standard neck now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

View the 200g combo now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Horseware Amigo Hero Ripstop turnout rugs

Fills: 0g, 50g, 100g, 200g | Style: Standard | Outer: 600D ripstop | Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft | RRP: From £69.95 (0g) – £97.95 (200g) |

The Amigo Hero is Horseware’s most budget-friendly range – the range itself is quite large, but the 600D branch is the cheapest. The rugs benefit from a shine-enhancing lining to prevent rubbing, plus front leg arches to offer freedom of movement, two cross surcingles and a tail strap for a secure fit. The rugs have a classic cut with a twin T-bar chest fastening.

View the 0g now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 50g now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 100g now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

View the 200g now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

GS Equestrian turnout rugs

Fills: 0g, 200g

Style: Standard or combo

Outer: 600D ripstop

Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft

RRP: From £30.95 (0g standard) – £62.95 (200g combo)

These turnout rugs are fuss free, which keeps the price down. They have twin T-bar chest closures, adjustable cross surcingles, tail flap, fillet string and full combo neck.

View the 0g standard neck now at gsequestrian.co.uk

View the 0g combo now at gsequestrian.co.uk 

View the 200g standard neck now at gsequestrian.co.uk

View the 200g combo now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Mackey Equi-sential turnout rugs

Fills: 0g, 200g

Style: Standard

Outer: 600D ripstop

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft

RRP: From £63.95 (0g) – £71.95 (200g)

These Mackey turnout rugs are simple with no frills to add extra expense. They have a 600D waterproof and breathable outer, and have a T-bar front closure, low cross surcingles and adjustable tail strap.

View the 0g now at viovet.co.uk 

View the 200g now at viovet.co.uk

Best budget stable rugs

Shires Tempest Original stable rugs

Fills: 100g, 200g, 300g

Style: Standard, combo or detachable neck

Outer: 210D

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in (dependent on neck style)

RRP: From £53.99 (100g standard)

The Tempest Original stable rugs come in a variety of neck options as well as weights – and are the only collection of stable rugs in this guide that has the option of a detachable neck. They fasten with buckles at the chest, adjustable cross surcingles and a fillet string.

View the 100g standard neck now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 100g combo now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or equus.co.uk

View the 100g detachable neck now at viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 200g standard neck now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or equus.co.uk

View the 200g combo now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 200g detachable neck now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 300g standard neck now at viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or equus.co.uk

View the 300g combo now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

View the 300g detachable neck now at viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

JHL Essential Stable Rug

Fill: 150g, 250g, 350g

Style: Standard neck

Outer: 600D

Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft

Colours: Black/burgundy

RRP: £46.99 (150g), £49.99 (250g), £64.99 (350g)

This stable rug has a 600D polyester outer, nylon lining, adjustable double front buckles and low cross surcingles. It also features reinforced nylon anti-rub shoulders, fleece wither protection and shoulder gussets for additional movement.

View 150g now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

View 250g now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

View 350g now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Whitaker Thomas stable rug

Fills: 250g

Style: Standard

Outer: 210D

Sizes: 4ft9in – 7ft

RRP: £29.95

This stable rug fastens with double chest buckles and cross surcingles. It also has a fleece with pad.

View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk 

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec 210D Channel Quilt Stable Rugs

Fills: 110g, 250g, 400g

Style: Standard or combo

Outer: 210D

Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in (dependent on neck style)

RRP: From £62.99 (110g standard)

Dependent on the fill weight and neck style you opt for, these stable rugs fasten with either one or two adjustable buckles at the chest. They feature a polyester lining and 100% boa fleece wither, plus also have twin low cross surcingles, a tail cord and loops for optional leg straps.

View the 110g standard neck now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com, equus.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or decathlon.co.uk

View the 110g combo neck now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com, equus.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or decathlon.co.uk

View the 250g standard neck now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or decathlon.co.uk

View the 250g combo neck now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com, equus.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk, sportsdirect.com or decathlon.co.uk

View the 400g combo neck now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com, equus.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or decathlon.co.uk

You might also like:

10 stable rugs your horse will thank you for

12 rain sheets/no-fill turnouts to protect your horse from showers

A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather

Best medium weight turnout rugs for chillier days

From racoons to tractors and Thelwell ponies – here’s 33 patterned rugs you’ll want to kit your horse out in

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The cost of living crisis is biting everyone and your weekly riding lesson or hack might feel like a luxury you can no longer justify. But losing out on your regular horse fix is tough and everyone needs a bit of fun in their lives, so what are the cheapest ways to ride if you don’t have a horse?

Here are a few ideas to help you maintain your horsey habit…

1. Consider sharing a horse

Horse owners are feeling the pinch too and some might consider a sharer, who typically is able to ride the horse a few days a week and makes a small financial contribution towards his or her keep. The details of such an arrangement will vary in terms of access to the horse, what activities are allowed and what financial contribution is required, as well as whether the sharer does any of the work of caring for the horse.

Make sure you have everything in writing and appropriate insurance to avoid problems, but this can be a great way to ride regularly – and perhaps even have lessons or compete – for a smaller cost.

2. Help out

On a more ad hoc basis, if you are a suitably competent rider, you could ask horse owners you know whether they ever need any help with exercising.

Riding out for a local racehorse trainer could also be an option. You’ll need a level of skill and fitness, but it’s great experience if you are able to do it.

Competition yards are sometimes short of people to exercise on weekends when staff and riders are at shows – it’s worth contacting local competition riders to ask if they need any help, if you’re a good enough rider.

Again, make sure you have appropriate insurance in place with any of these arrangements.

3. Swap from a private lesson to a shared one

If you take regular lessons, you could trim back on your spend by moving from a private lesson to a group session. Finding the cheapest ways to ride if you don’t have a horse sometimes brings unexpected benefits too – you might also find you enjoy the social side of a group lesson and you’ll probably learn from watching others.

4. Schemes at riding schools for children

If you’re looking for the younger members of the family to keep riding and spending time with ponies, ask at your local riding schools whether they run schemes such as British Horse Society Pony Stars or Pony Club centre membership. These may offer a way for children to be around ponies, including learning to care for them beyond riding, and work towards badges and other achievement awards, without significant cost.

You might also be interested in:

9 ways to improve your riding without spending money

How to improve the value of your horse – and help him find the right home

9 ways to save money on your riding kit

Compete or train? How the cost of living is having an impact on the horse world

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Whether you’re shopping on a tight budget, looking for a pair of cheap riding boots for everyday wear to tide you over or just thinking about getting into riding, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up a selection of the best riding boots on a budget – under £100 for long riding boots and under £50 for short boots.

Shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you won’t find a great pair of cheap riding boots, but you might have to make a few compromises. While you won’t be able to find your dream pair of made-to-measure customised dress boots under £100, you will be able to take advantage of some technical features. You’ll also find yourself a bit more restricted if you’re specifically looking for brown boots or different calf width options – that’s certainly not to say you won’t find them, but there are fewer to choose from. You’ll also find more synthetic options as these are generally cheaper to produce than leather, but they’re also easier to look after and they often come with elasticated panels to offer a wider variety of fits.

Best long riding boots under £100

Saxon Syntovia Tall Field Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: UK 4–8, in two widths and two heights

RRP: £74.99

Made from a grained synthetic material that looks like leather, these boots also have an elastic stretch panel to help secure the perfect fit and a cushioning footbed. They are also available as dress boots (no laces).

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, decathlon.co.uk or naylors.com

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Shires Moretta Luisa Riding Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: Adult UK 4–9, in four calf widths, child UK C12–5

RRP: £84.99 (adult), £71.99 (child)

These synthetic leather boots have smart, dressage cut tops and soft stretch outer panels that hug the leg for a good fit. They also benefit from WickAway stay dry linings and ActiveFlex cushioning insoles.

In the UK? View adult sizes now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

In the UK? View child sizes now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Hy Equestrian Sicily Riding Boot

Colours: Black

Sizes: EU 37–41

RRP: £94.99

Designed with a combination of real and synthetic leather (leather foot and inner calf, synthetic leather outer), these boots have a breathable lining, hygienic insole and anti-skid sole.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk 

Fouganza 500 Synthetic Long Riding Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: UK 3–8, with two calf widths

RRP: £69.99

These synthetic boots have an elastic panel that helps to aid a good fit.

In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk

In the US? View now at decathlon.com

Rhinegold Nebraska Synthetic Long Riding Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: UK 3–8

RRP: £59.95

These synthetic boots have an elasticated rear panel to cater for a wide range of leg shapes. They have a non-slip sole, a neoprene join above the foot, which helps to to ease bending and prevent stress on the boot, plus reflective inserts at the heel for increased visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Brogini Albareto Easy-Care Field Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: EU 36–42, in two widths

RRP: £79.95

Made of a durable yet supple synthetic leather, which is easy to care for, these boots have a wide elasticated panel for enhanced movement and comfort.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Mark Todd Tall Synthetic Field Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: EU 33–42

RRP: £69.98 (adult), £55.98 (child)

These leather-look tall boots have elastic inserts for a comfortable fit, a laced front and an elastic zip guard.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk 

Best short riding boots under £50

Brogini Tivoli Zipped Boots

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: UK child 9 – adult 11

RRP: £49.50 (adult), £35 (child)

H&H Rating: 9/10

These hand-crafted leather boots are have an anti-slip, hard-wearing rubber sole. They feature a front zip and elasticated side panels for ease of use. Children’s sizes also available (RRP £35).

Read H&H’s independent Brogini Tivoli review.

In the UK? View adult sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk

In the UK? View child sizes now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Saxon Syntovia Zip Paddock Boots

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: UK child 9 – adult 11

RRP: £41.99 (adult), £31.99 (child)

Made from a grained leather-look material, these boots have a hard-wearing rubber sole, cushioned footbed and a zipped front aid putting on and taking off. Also available in children’s sizes (RRP £31.99).

In the UK? View adult sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or decathlon.co.uk

In the UK? View child sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, decathlon.co.uk or gooutdoors.co.uk

In the US? View adult sizes now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

In the US? View child sizes now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Dublin Altitude Jodhpur Boots

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: UK child 9 – adult 9

RRP: £42.99 (adult), £34.50 (child)

Made of a grained synthetic material that looks like leather, these boots have a RCS (Rider Comfort System) footbed, high arch and in-built shank for improved stability.

In the UK? View adult sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk

In the UK? View child sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk

In the US? View adult sizes now at amazon.com

In the US? View child sizes now at amazon.com

Hy Equestrian Canterbury Zip Jodhpur Boot

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: EU 30–42

RRP: £41.99 (adult), £28.99 (child)

Made from a lightweight and durable synthetic leather, these boots have elasticated side gussets for improved comfort at the ankle, and a pull-on tab to help get them on.

In the UK? View adult sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the UK? View child sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Shires Moretta Clio Paddock Boots

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: UK child 10 – adult 11

RRP: £41.99 (adult), £34.99 (child)

These smart boots are made from quick-to-clean faux leather. They feature a WickAway lining to prevent sweaty feet, ActiveFlex cushioning insoles and shock-absorbing rubber soles with steel shanks for support.

In the UK? View adult sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

In the UK? View child sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

In the US? View adult sizes now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

In the US? View child sizes now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Fouganza 100 Jodhpur Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: UK 3–10½

RRP: £19.99 (adult), £14.99 (child)

Made from a rubber-like material, these boots can be worn in all weathers. They’re easy to put on and easy to clean – a great option if you don’t want to spend much money on something you might not wear often.

In the UK? View adult sizes now at decathlon.co.uk

In the US? View child sizes now at decathlon.co.uk

Rhinegold Classic Leather Jodhpur Boots

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: UK child 10 – adult 11

RRP: £26.50 (adult), £20.50 (child)

These traditional leather jodhpur boots have two pull tabs to allow for easy putting on and removal. The elastic sides provide flexibility and stretch and they have moulded soles for comfort.

In the UK? View adult sizes now at amazon.co.uk

In the UK? View child sizes now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View adult sizes now at amazon.com

In the US? View child sizes now at amazon.com

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Owners are prioritising care for their horses above themselves, results of a recent cost-of-living survey by welfare charities and organisations have revealed.

A group of National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) members, led by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, carried out the survey in December 2022 and January 2023 with the support of a consultant researcher. It found that almost one in five of the 8,000-plus owners surveyed said they are having to consider difficult decisions, such as sale, sharing or euthanasia of their horses, owing to rising costs.

Just under 20% of respondents said they had cut spending on horse care, and almost 50% said they had reduced expenditure in other areas of their life to help pay for their horses’ care.

Anonymised quotes within the survey highlighted concerning ways some owners were cutting back on their own essentials, to care for their horses.

“My animals come first. I have mitigated [the] impact on them by foregoing things such as heating, dental care and eye test/new glasses for me,” stated one.

Another added: “This winter I made the decision to go without heating and hot water and change my own eating to be able to provide the same level of care for both my horse and dog.”

A small “but worrying” proportion of respondents said they were already unable to provide basic care for their horses owing to rising costs.

“While this group makes up less than 1% of survey respondents, this still equates to 55 individuals struggling to care for horses in difficult circumstances,” stated the report.

The survey found more than 40% were affected by the cost of living at the time of completing the survey; over 70% anticipated being directly impacted by high costs in coming months; and more than 60% were concerned about horse care finances through 2023.

When asked about financial strategies people were using to help them care for their horses, far fewer respondents were willing or able to reduce horse care costs compared to cutting costs in other areas of their life. The report states that this shows “horse care is generally a high priority”.

But the report found “there is no doubt” that despite owners’ best efforts, “financial pressures are affecting horse care decisions and ultimately equine welfare”.

Lynn Cutress, Redwings chief executive, told H&H the group was “very struck” not only by the impact that living costs are having on horse owners, but the sacrifices people are making to continue meeting their horses’ needs.

“People are taking on extra work, selling possessions or using credit to cope, but many are still having to make difficult decisions around preventative healthcare, veterinary treatment and horse management,” she said.

“The anxiety involved in these choices is testament to the vital role horses have in the lives of those who love them. They are more than a hobby, they are family members, a passion, a purpose and a source of wellbeing.

“We know many owners have always lived frugally in order to keep much-loved horses in their life, meaning there is often limited room for further cost-saving in tough times. With more than 40% saying their horse care was affected by cost-of-living pressures at the beginning of the year, the number of people in this position is likely to have risen since.”

Ms Cutress added that Redwings is “particularly concerned” about how people will cope going into another winter, and the potential effect on the welfare of horses and owners.

“The economic climate is also having a huge impact on charities and the wider sector, but we will always try to support struggling individuals where we can,” she said.

A total of 90% of respondents said they have experienced price rises for horse feed, forage, bedding and fuel – of these, more than 90% said it had affected their horse care budget.

NEWC chairman Carolyn Madgwick said the council has been “a united voice” on equine welfare matters for more than three decades, and members have “seen for themselves” how sharply horse care costs have risen.

“Sadly, the situation is only going to worsen with the interest rate increase announced [in June], which is sure to have a huge impact on a lot of owners,” said Mrs Madgwick.

The report also found that some management changes – such as increased turnout, reducing hard feed and rugging – “could be having a positive impact” on welfare of individual horses. Many owners also reported switching from routine worming to using faecal worm egg counts.

Another survey focused on equine welfare establishments, carried out by World Horse Welfare on behalf of NEWC, found almost half of the 36 centres involved will minimise equine intakes.

Mrs Madgwick added: “It is a deeply worrying time for our members, who know they are often the last hope for equines in need.

“While only a small number of horse owners said they had already reached a point where they were unable to meet their horses’ basic care needs, many owners are having to reduce their routine preventative healthcare practices, increasing the risk of issues arising that they may struggle to afford to address.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It is a myth that all horse owners are well-off, a charity has warned, as it believes the cost-of-living crisis is having a “profound” effect on equine welfare.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has shared the story of Andalusians Hugo and Gabriel, who were found very underweight, with sores and riddled with lice, last June.

“It’s unusual to find such beautiful Andalusian horses in this state, but this situation is a familiar one for The Mare and Foal Sanctuary,” a spokesman for the charity said.

The sanctuary’s care lead Rosy Lewis said the team worked hard to secure a good outcome for Hugo and Gabriel, with help from the RSPCA as their welfare worsened. Both were signed over to the charity.

“The pair were in urgent need of sanctuary,” she said. “They were both malnourished. Hugo had scarring and sores across his body, particularly over his prominent pelvic bones, stifle, elbow and shoulder, but also over his ribs.

“All four of his hooves were overgrown and needed treatment. He was very nervous whenever we needed to handle him. Gabriel was even more nervous than Hugo. In particular, he was extremely reluctant to have his limbs handled. His hooves were overgrown and chipped in places. His mane was very matted. Gabriel was also riddled with lice.”

Ms Lewis said the charity often sees complicated situations but this was a “shocking case”.

“Hugo and Gabriel’s situation shows that when an owner’s personal circumstances change unexpectedly caring for equines can become an overwhelming task,” she said. This is why we exist.

“It’s a myth that all horse owners are financially well off. We know that many are struggling at the moment and are sacrificing their own wellbeing to continue to care for their horses. Owners who are in this precarious position are the most at risk of unintentionally neglecting the welfare of their animals and themselves. Costs are skyrocketing. We know that our own costs for feed and everyday welfare alone have gone up considerably.”

The sanctuary is at capacity, and its outreach team is dealing with many ongoing cases; 111 at the end of March. Last year it was approached to find space for 89 horses but only had space for 30.

“This spring we need to rehome the horses that are ready to make space for new arrivals,” Ms Lewis said. “Our welfare outreach and sanctuary care teams are working hard through a difficult time to achieve this, but we need help from our incredible supporters so we can continue to provide lifelong care for horses like Hugo and Gabriel.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With the increase in cost of living, how we’re spending money is changing a lot at the moment – if you’re on the lookout for the best equestrian deals to help you save the pennies, then you’ve come to the right place. We know your horses will never go without and you’ll make sure they always have the best you can afford, so if we can help you save a bit of money here and there by bringing you the best deals, then we absolutely will. We’ve rounded up this week’s best equestrian deals and discounts below…

• Best riding boot and footwear deals
• Best clothing deals
• Best feed and supplement deals
• Best rug deals
• Best tack and horse kit deals
• All other equestrian deals

Best equestrian deals and discounts this week

Best riding boot and footwear deals

Ariat: Check out the Outlet for great winter savings

Brogini: Save 39% on the Trento country boots

Brogini: Save 26% on the Brogini Modena dress boots

Brogini: Save 21% on the Tivoli zip-up short boots (was £49.50, now £39)

Derby House: Save 33% on the long boot bag

Dubarry: Find big discounts in the Dubarry sale – up to 40% off

Dublin: Save up to 58% on the Evolution long boots at Ride-Away or up to 60% on the Galtymore field boots

Fitflop: Save up to 54% on these wellies

Hunter: Get the Original Tall wellies for just £79.79 at Ride-Away

Hunter: Save up to in 50% the sale – new lines added

Joules: Save up to 60% in the clearance sale

Naylors: Get an extra 15% off sale items with ‘EXTRA15’

The Original Muck Boot Co: Save up to 34% on the Arctic Sport II Tall wellies

Saxon: Save 29% on the Syntovia field boots

Best clothing deals

Ariat: Save 18% on the H&H Approved Ascent riding tights

Ariat: Get the Prowess jacket for just £149.97

Ariat: Save 20% on the Sunstopper baselayer (many colourways), 40% on the Lumina base layer, 30% on the Gridwork base layer or 21% on the Ascent base layer

Ariat: Save 18% on the Ascent jacket, 35% on the Argentium jacket and 40% on the Lumina jacket

Barbour: Loads of savings on Barbour at Ride-Away

Barbour: Save up to 55% on the Cavalry Polarquilt jacket

Cavallo: Loads of Cavallo items discounted on Ride-Away

Derby House: Get the full-seat riding tights for just £21.79 – less than half price

Dubarry: Save 44% on the Rockpool waterproof jacket or get a third off the Friel jacket

Dubarry: Find the Corfu jacket discounted by 67% on Ride-Away

Dublin: Save 38% on the Power Tech riding tights and 21% on the Everyday riding gloves