Can you provide a good life for your horse when it's old?

12:20pm Monday 6th April 2009

By Sara Pawsey

THE RSPCA hopes a heartsearching survey will encourage horse owners to invest in pony pensions to ensure their animal’s future.

Every year, the organisation and other equine rescue and rehabilitation charities receive hundreds of enquiries from people asking for help in finding homes for unwanted horses and ponies of all ages.

The problem is made worse because many owners do not consider taking on a horse, a donkey or a pony to be a lifetime commitment.

Once the animals can no longer do the job they were bought to do they are unwanted and many owners wrongly assume there will be plenty of places willing to take on their animal where it will be able to enjoy a secure and happy retirement.

The reality is there are few pony sanctuaries and charities such as the RSPCA, Horseworld and the Mare and Foal Sanctuary which take in animals for rehabilitation and re-homing are unable to cope with requests for help The problem has become far worse during the credit crunch. The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire has stopped taking animals for the first time in its 120-year history.

RSPCA re-homing officer Sally Learoyd said that while there are many responsible caring equine owners who plan for their animal’s future, other people see horses simply as commodities that have no value and hold no interest once the animal can no longer do the job it was bought to do.

“Responsible ownership is about ensuring an animal does not face an uncertain future. That is why it is vital that people have a retirement plan for every equine they take on. Part of that plan should be a personal element – considering the costs of caring for an animal for the remainder of its life. If you are in any doubt as to whether you can afford to do so, you should not take a horse or pony on in the first place.

“A seasoned horse owner knows that the care an animal needs in the winter is different to its care and requirements in the spring and summer. Just because a horse, pony or donkey cannot be ridden or worked it can still have a worthwhile and fulfilling life.”

Horses are considered veterans at the age of 15, but due to improvements in feeds and medicines many now live to their late 20s or 30s.

Although costs vary depending on the size of the horse and where it lives, the RSPCA estimates owners pay about £3,200 a year in livery, feed, vet, farrier and other bills.

The RSPCA’s southern and southwest region and its campaign partners are urging people to complete an anonymous equine retirement plan questionnaire. It is open to anyone who owns, loans, shares or rides a horse, even if its part of a trekking centre or riding school. People are being asked to be totally honest about the plans for the animal’s future.

Kevin Manning, who is the RSPCA’s animal welfare manager for the region, said: “It is vital we build up a picture about equines and the uncertain future some of them may face. I urge people to take a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire to help us prevent future generations of animals suffering.”