In a development that will surprise exactly no one who has looked at their bank account recently, the rising cost of caring for horses is putting more owners under financial pressure. The Blue Cross charity in Burford, Oxfordshire, reports an increase in horses being given up, because apparently even hay now requires a second mortgage.

The situation has been made even more difficult this year by the dry weather, leading to hay shortages and more expensive food prices. The site is currently taking in 20 to 30 horses a month, and across the UK, the charity says it has seen a '160% surge in relinquished horses in recent years.' That's not a typo - it's a lot of horses.

Admissions coordinator Freya Long puts it bluntly: 'There's no grass, very little hay. I've started getting an increase in requests and I can only imagine it'll get higher with the cost of living.' Because of course it will.

The charity notes that the costs for owners extend well beyond feed, with veterinary care, vaccinations, worming, and farrier visits all essential to a horse's welfare. Horse centre manager Vicki Alford adds, 'It all adds up. We are finding, unfortunately, that people are contacting us because they can't financially look after their horses anymore.'

In 2025, the RSPCA found that the nature of the equine crisis had shifted from abandonment to more general welfare issues. Their research identified a combination of factors, including a lack of practical knowledge, skills, and experience in caring for equines; suitable facilities and space for turn-out, grazing, and socialisation; and provision and planning for lifetime welfare and care. The charity said these issues have been enhanced by increases in the cost of living over recent years - because what hasn't?

The Blue Cross wants owners to ask for help before financial difficulties begin to affect the welfare of their animals. Alford says, 'We absolutely encourage this, we want people to come to us... before their horses get too far down the line. Please come to us. We are here to help and we will not judge.' So if you're a horse owner struggling, swallow your pride - the hay won't pay for itself.