Hay Shortages Spark Welfare Fears
More horses could be abandoned or abused as the cost of hay continues to rise, a leading animal charity has warned.
Jo Coombs, CEO of Bristol-based rescue charity HorseWorld, said hay prices have more than doubled, with the average bale rising from £4.50 to £10 due to a national shortage.
Rising Surrenders
The number of horses signed over by owners who can no longer afford to keep them is growing fast.
In 2024, these cases made up 53% of HorseWorld’s rescues.
In 2025, the figure has climbed to 67%.
“We’re here for the abused, abandoned and neglected,” Coombs said. “But my fear is that we’ll see more of this because people simply can’t afford to feed their horses.”
Extreme Weather Behind the Crisis
Coombs said hot temperatures and low rainfall during the summer of 2025 cut hay yields by around 75%.
HorseWorld was only able to harvest 25% of its usual supply.
Since November, the charity has received 17 calls from owners who can no longer care for their horses — and it is now at full capacity.
A Costly Struggle
To cope with the shortage, HorseWorld is fundraising to cover its rising costs. Its annual feed bill is expected to reach £25,000.
Why Horses Need Constant Access to Food
Sarah Hollister, head of equine welfare at HorseWorld, said horses naturally eat for up to 18 hours a day.
“We can’t cut corners,” she said. “These horses are already vulnerable. Keeping them fed is essential to their health and wellbeing.”
A Wider Agricultural Challenge
Professor Nicola Cannon of the Royal Agricultural University said extreme weather is affecting the entire farming sector.
Some farmers sold livestock early after realising they would not have enough forage for winter.
“With climate change, hotter and drier summers are becoming the norm,” she said. “The challenge now is adapting and building more resilient farms.”