Severe weather had major impact on equine welfare in 2018
“Growing environmental challenges” are among World Horse Welfare’s biggest concerns for horses’ health.
The charity’s chief executive, Roly Owers, gave the warning as part of his 2018 end of year message.
“Here in the UK we had the Beast from the East back in March, which hit on multiple occasions and then the severe drought conditions over the summer, which collectively sent calls to our welfare lines spiralling,” he said.
He added while these calls have receded, there are growing concerns going into the winter with the cost of bedding and forage
“This will certainly put us under extra pressure as we head into the winter with our centers nearly full.”
Mr Owers added this adds to the importance of people considering rehoming and said the charity hopes to rehome a record number of more than 300 equines by the end of the year.
“In these changing times we recognise the increasing challenge of having youngsters in our centre,” he said.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“This year alone we have 29, 12 of whom have been born from welfare cases that need taking in.
“As we face this ever growing pressure on our centres, it makes the case for rehoming ever-more important.
“Every one rehomed means we will be able to help another horse in desperate need.”
He also highlighted the ongoing international work and how the charity is grasping opportunities wherever possible to promote equine welfare to governments.
“We live in times of huge political uncertainty, not only with Brexit, but also with the forthcoming elections across the European Union,” said Mr Owers.
“What is also a huge benefit is we have an opportunity now that we really are taking advantage of, of promoting the cause of equine welfare to government and it is having real results with your help.
“This year alone we have new legislation around the licensing of equine establishments, the requirement for all abattoirs to have CCTV, the updating of the code of practice for equines and in England at least new equine identification legislation.”
Article continues below…
You might also be interested in:
‘We must let horses be horses’: charity’s welfare warning
‘There are those who pamper their animals, over-feed them treats, keep them in stables all day and pile rugs on
Pony found wandering the streets becomes Christmas star
The pony learned the finishing times of the local school and would take himself to wait at the gates each
‘I thought why wait’: family who survived serious motorway crash give rescue pony a new life
Corinne contacted World Horse Welfare about Tina a few months after surviving a five-car pile up
The charity’s campaign over transport of horses for slaughter has resulted in a reduction from 50,000 to 30,000 annually.
“But of course we will not rest until that number is reduced to zero, which is why it is so important we keep up the pressure through our latest petition to the European Commission and I urge you to sign that and get your friends, family and colleagues to sign that,” said Mr Owers.
“We know this kind of pressure really does have an inflience on bringing new and better regulation to the fore.
“The need for World Horse Welfare increases every year — we can only do what we do with your support and together we really are making a profound difference for thousands of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules around the world.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.