Livery bookings rise as horse owners struggle with costs
"We've experienced someone struggling to put food on the table for their children and they decided to put their horse to sleep," Fiona Long said
"We've experienced someone struggling to put food on the table for their children and they decided to put their horse to sleep," Fiona Long said. The Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) found that more than 80% of equine owners across the UK, external were concerned about the continued pressure of increased costs of equine-keeping.
Five percent were considering euthanising their horse due to rising costs, with owners unable to afford the farrier and regular vet call-outs. It was more common and affordable to have horses in the past but these days it was a "luxury" as the cost of grass seed, bales of hay and vet prices rise, Long said.
"A big bale of hay was £10 around 30 years ago, now it's £90. Livery costs were static for around 20 years before owners started putting up prices two years ago," she added. The farm co-owner said that offering lower prices was a way to "give back" to horses and allow them to continue living for years after they stop being ridden.
"Horses aren't a hobby, they are a lifestyle and they offer us so much fulfilment, so for them to be horses themselves, that's giving back to them," staff member Jo Woods said.
The BriefWire