With higher prices being charged these days for most horse care needs, it’s no wonder U.S. horse owners are having difficulty deciding whether or not they can afford to keep horses.
Across the Atlantic Ocean in Great Britain, the situation seems even worse. A recent article in Your Horse magazine indicated two-thirds of British equestrians are already making sacrifices to keep their horses.
Not Coping Well
An equestrian brand, Harry Hall, recently disclosed the results in a report on how horse owners are coping with the on-going British cost-of-living crisis. They surveyed 3,343 equestrians online questionnaire covering how owners are navigating the challenges of the current economic situation.
More than 87% of those surveyed believe owning and caring for a horse is getting much more difficult to afford. The survey also revealed that to afford their horses:
- 88% are giving up vacations.
- 36% of owners have altered monthly food budgets.
- 28% have given up maintaining their cars.
- 25% are reducing home energy consumption.
- 24% are forgoing their own dental care.
Personal Sacrifices
As an example, British horse owner Louise Biebly has sacrificed her own dental appointments tin order to keep her horse, Rupert.
“Rupert is my world and my family. Looking after him is my number one concern and affording him is my second,” says Biebly. “Personal things like going to the dentist and other general expenses have been put on hold. I will always cut my own costs and make personal sacrifices first. Rupert will never go without.
“Rupert is the one constant thing in my life that keeps me happy and although the cost of things rising can mean feeling the pinch, he is my priority.”
Abandonment Epidemic
The financial challenges associated with owning horses in Great Britain has contributed to a rise in abandonment cases. As a result, equine charities are struggling to cope with the influx of deserted equines that have led to increased costs for these groups.
Real Challenges
“Results of the inaugural Harry Hall Horse Census reveals what has been felt across the community for some time. It shows the lengths equestrians are going to in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis that is impacting everyone,” says Liz Hopper, managing director at Harry Hall.
“These statistics aren’t just numbers — they represent real challenges facing the equine community,” adds Hopper.
What’s Happening In Your Area?
Are these worries a concern among horse owners in your area? Have these concerns led owners to spend less on footcare or extend the time between routine hoof-care checkups? Or as a result, have you lost clients who have given up on horses?
Please leave me some comments and thoughts in the box below.
Please email me at lessitef@lessitermedia.com with your thoughts.
