Equine rescue centres, sanctuaries and rehoming organisations across Britain are struggling to meet growing demand as rising costs, falling donations and fewer rehoming applications place increasing pressure on the sector.
The Rescue, Rehoming and Sanctuaries Survey 2026 found that every organisation which responded was either at capacity or close to it. Together, the centres were caring for approximately 4,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and other equids when the survey was conducted.
The findings suggest that the pressures identified in previous surveys have continued to intensify, leaving organisations with increasingly limited capacity to help additional animals.
More equines need support
Requests from owners wishing to hand over an equine have increased for 81% of respondents, while 67% reported a rise in welfare cases and 68% had received more calls relating to welfare concerns.
More than a third had also experienced an increase in animals being returned by adopters.
At the same time, around one third of organisations reported receiving fewer rehoming applications. This means animals may remain in rescue care for longer, reducing the space available for new arrivals.
Half of the organisations responding to the survey were already at or above capacity, while the remaining half described themselves as close to capacity.
One respondent said: “We are not able to help as many other horses at present, nor do we see the situation improving.”
Costs rise as donations fall
Financial pressure was a major concern throughout the sector, with more than 90% of respondents worried about the effects of the increased cost of living on their organisation.
The rising cost of veterinary care, farriery, transport and insurance is being felt alongside increases in everyday running expenses.
Management costs, including feed, forage and bedding, had risen for 84% of organisations. Maintenance costs such as electricity, gas and water had increased for 89%, while 74% reported higher staffing costs.
However, income has not kept pace with these growing expenses. Almost two thirds of organisations had received fewer large donations during the previous year, and 65% said securing major donors had become more difficult.
Many equine welfare organisations receive little or no government funding and depend on public donations, grants, fundraising, legacies and financial reserves to continue operating.
One organisation warned: “The overall longevity of operations is currently at risk due to the financial crisis.”
Welfare standards remain a priority
Despite the financial pressures they face, organisations were clear that they would not make savings which could compromise the health or welfare of the equines in their care.
More than three quarters said they would not switch to cheaper forage, 71% would not reduce the amount of forage provided and 65% would not use less bedding.
Instead, centres have explored measures including reduced opening hours, grazing rotation, alternative bedding systems and management changes such as increased turnout, track systems and barefoot trimming.
However, the savings available through these measures are limited. More than one third of respondents had introduced stricter criteria governing which animals they could accept, while over half had reduced their intake numbers.
More than a third had also undergone restructuring, and two centres reported that they were facing either a planned or unavoidable closure.
One respondent said: “We do not have the funds to remain open another full year. Closure is guaranteed.”
Extreme weather adds further uncertainty
The survey closed in April 2026, when 97% of respondents were already concerned about the potential effects of extreme weather.
The period of high temperatures and widespread drought experienced since then may place further pressure on grazing and hay supplies, potentially increasing costs for both rescue organisations and private horse owners.
The full impact is not yet known, but any additional strain on forage availability could make an already difficult situation more challenging.
About the survey
The survey was conducted by World Horse Welfare and Redwings Horse Sanctuary on behalf of the National Equine Welfare Council between 30 March and 27 April 2026.
It received 38 complete responses from equine welfare organisations operating across England, Scotland and Wales. Most responses came from managers of rescue organisations with at least one site in England.
The survey follows previous research undertaken in 2023 and 2024 and was designed to improve understanding of the pressures currently facing the equine welfare sector.
Its findings indicate that rescue and rehoming organisations are continuing to support thousands of vulnerable equines but have little capacity remaining to respond to further increases in demand.
To learn more about the survey CLICK HERE.
