The results of a nationwide census carried out by Harry Hall found that almost a third 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 over 3000 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.”
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.
This, combined with increasing costs for yard owners and unavoidable price increases for livery services means the industry may be heading for a crisis, with an increases in welfare cases and abandoned horses by those who can no longer afford to care for them.
There are various supports being put in place to help horse owners and yard owners including the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) guides to Cutting Costs Not Care, and Responsible Rehoming , as well as the new Help for Horse Owners from World Horse Welfare. Additionally there are free guidance and resources on the LiveryList Yard Owner Hub to help yard owners understand the viability and long term sustainability of their yard.