Saddle up your horse - but take care of it too

07/07/2008

 Despite the rising cost of living, it seems that we Brits still have an unstoppable love affair with horses - across all classes and social-economic groups. In fact there are 50% more people riding now than in 1999, but sadly, the number of horse welfare concerns investigated by the charity World Horse Welfare are soaring at an even faster rate - which is why the charity is keen to ensure that people are aware of the costs and responsibilities involved before they decide to buy a horse.

 

Currently the total horse riding population in Britain is 4.3 million, and nearly half of them are under 24 years old.  Interestingly, despite associations with wealth and class, well over a third of horse riders are now classified as in the C, D and E socio economic groups - everyday working people, including those living at the lowest level of subsistence. For these people, the costs involved may end up being prohibitive, with an average annual expenditure of £2,361 - or 10% of the average annual pay for full time workers in UK.

 

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare said: “We certainly do not want to discourage people who are enthusiastic from owning a horse, however, considering that many riders are so young, prospective owners must always consider things carefully before making the commitment such as: how much spare time they have to spend with their horse, how much it is likely to cost, and what the future will be for that horse as the children grow up.

 

“Part of World Horse Welfare’s role is to make sure that people understand what’s involved in owning or caring for a horse, whether it be what and how much it should be fed, or how much it might cost to stable it or get it seen by a vet.

 

“People who are unsure whether they’re ready to make that commitment should consider taking riding lessons, borrowing or hiring from a stables while they make their decision. The average riding lesson costs around £21 which, if you ride for just half the year will amount to £546, which is a good deal less than the cost of owning a horse.”

 

 World Horse Welfare was originally founded in 1927 by Ada Cole to prevent British horses being exported for slaughter. Today, in keeping with its founding campaign, the charity continues to campaign and lobby to achieve major input into horse welfare legislation in the UK and Europe, including campaigning for an end to the long distance transportation of horses for slaughter in Europe.

 

Pictured above, and at the top of the page, is one of the charities's success stories - Charlie. Rescued from dreadful conditions locked in a cage, and nursed back to full health.

 

For more information write to World Horse Welfare, Anne Colvin House, Snetterton, Norwich, Norfolk NR16 2LR. Ot call 01953 498682 or visit the website linked below.