Cost-of-living crisis: Survey launched for horse owners

A group of equine charities are asking horse owners how they are affected by the cost-of-living crisis

The survey, which was launched on Wednesday 21^st December will be used to gauge how people are coping this winter. Research is being undertaken on behalf of NEWC by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, Oak Tree Animal Sanctuary and the British Farrier and Blacksmith Association.

The NEWC (National Equine Welfare Council C.I.C.) is a ‘not-for-profit’ membership organisation that was set up in 1977 and works to protect horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, by providing support, guidance and a communication forum to equine organisations, businesses and charities to help raise equine welfare standards nationwide.

Carolyn Madgwick, Chair of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), said:

We want to establish how those of us who care for horses are dealing with the current economic climate.

The questions being asked include things like ‘what changes, if any, have you seen in horse care costs in the last year’ and ‘what changes have you made, or are considering, to save money?’.

NEWC intends to use the anonymised results to produce a report which will be shared with the public and, where relevant, the UK Government, Devolved Administrations and local authorities and will enable us to develop and publish guidance and advice to support those caring for horses across the UK.

The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, please do fill it in if you can and help us to understand how we might be able to help you.”

The survey, which can be found here, runs from 21^st December to 31^st January. It is completely anonymous, as no personal data will be collected.

A second survey has been developed for equine welfare establishments, who are being asked about their experience. 

NEWC works to safeguard equine welfare through a membership accreditation scheme, the provision of advice and support for welfare concerns, the promotion of equines ready for rehoming, and the provision of an array of advice and guidance on equine care and management that puts equine health and welfare at the forefront of all decision making.

Advice for horse owners on Cutting Costs Not Care can be downloaded for free from the NEWC website.