The UK’s equine rescue, rehoming and sanctuary sector is under severe strain, with rescue centres running out of space, costs rising sharply and donations falling, according to a new survey by the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC).
The UK-wide survey, carried out by World Horse Welfare and Redwings Horse Sanctuary on NEWC’s behalf, found that every responding organisation is now at or near capacity, with around 4,500 equines collectively in their care. Half of respondents are already at or over capacity, while the rest are close behind.
Demand is rising on every front. Some 81% of respondents reported an increase in requests to hand over equines, 67% reported a rise in welfare concern calls, and more than a third saw an increase in equines being returned by adopters, even as fewer horses leave the sector through rehoming.
Costs have climbed just as sharply. More than 90% of respondents said they were concerned about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, 84% reported rising equine management costs, and 89% reported higher site maintenance costs. Funding has become harder to secure too, with 63% receiving fewer large donations this year and 65% finding it more difficult to attract major donors.
Carolyn Madgwick, Chair of NEWC, said the findings reflect a sector doing everything it can under mounting pressure.
“This survey makes painfully clear that equine welfare organisations are doing everything they can to protect the horses in their care, but the system is under unsustainable strain. Rising costs, fewer rehoming opportunities and increasing calls for help means we are being asked to do more with less. Without coordinated action and greater support, more horses could be left without the safety net they urgently need.”
Madgwick pointed to the wider financial and climatic pressures behind the figures: “Financial pressures and climactic conditions have made horse ownership and care increasingly challenging, with prices for hay more than doubling in the past 5 years, and rises in veterinary and energy costs. Wet winters have impacted pastures and grazing, while drought in summer has required owners and rescue centres to use hay stocks meant for winter. This all adds up to challenging conditions for everyone involved in keeping horses.”
Despite the pressure, respondents were firm that welfare standards will not be compromised, with most ruling out reducing forage, switching to cheaper forage, or cutting back on bedding. Instead, more than a third have introduced stricter intake criteria, over half have reduced intake numbers, more than a third have restructured, and two centres are now facing planned or guaranteed closure.
Malcolm Morley, Director of UK at World Horse Welfare, warned the trend could deepen if conditions persist: “The findings point to serious consequences for horses and owners if current trends continue. Ongoing financial and operational pressures could further reduce capacity, while extreme weather patterns and an ongoing cost of living crisis for struggling owners may increase the number of horses becoming welfare cases.”
Since the survey closed in April 2026, large parts of the UK have seen extended high temperatures and drought, adding fresh pressure on forage supply and cost.
NEWC says it will use the findings to work directly with rescue and rehoming centres to identify where support is most needed, while also raising awareness among horse owners of the wider pressures facing the sector, including breeding practices, responsible ownership and forward planning for forage. The results will also be shared with governments and political representatives across the UK, alongside recommendations for action to protect horses in need.
