Equestrians urged to consider rehoming after unprecedented surge in rescues
The RSPCA is calling on equestrians to consider rehoming a horse or pony after experiencing an unprecedented surge in multi-animal rescues.So far in 2026, RSPCA frontline officers are dealing with an average of 410 multi-animal incidents, an increase on 2025 which was a record breaking year.As a charity, weve seen a huge increase in multi-animal rescues of animals like dogs, cats and other small animals, said Milly Jones, Equine Clinical Animal Behaviourist for the RSPCA. But when it comes to equines, we see similar situations that have often arisen from unmanaged breeding, where unhandled mares, foals, and stallions live together without basic care or socialisation. These cases frequently result in extended stays in RSPCA care before a horse is rehomeable. Our teams manage pregnant mares through to the weaning of the foals, and supporting stallions through castration and socialisation work. Often, these horses need extra support in terms of behaviour, confidence and socialisation before they can be rehomed, and this takes a lot of time, funds and expertise from our amazing staff.Rehoming is vitalThe RSPCA rehomed 158 horses in 2025 and has already placed 135 in new homes this year, with additional horses transferred to partner charities for adoption. The charity has 430 horses currently in its care, so finding adopters is vital for freeing up space for the next rescue.Youngsters Ivar and Bertie (pictured top) are among recent rescues by the charity. The cheeky duo were paired together due to their similar ages and bonded over playful antics, including removing each others fly masks this summer. Ivar was born in RSPCA care after his dam was rescued alongside 70 other horses from an unmanaged breeding situation. Thanks to sympathetic handling and a tailored weaning plan, the Icelandic is now a confident, well-mannered yearling who is ready to continue his education in a loving home.Sensitive mare Betty and her foal Bertie arrived with the RSPCA requiring urgent medical attention and went straight into a specialist equine hospital. Once recovered, the team integrated them with young colt Ivar, his mum and two geldings, creating a mini-herd where the youngsters thrived through socialisation and play. Alongside Ivar, Bertie is now looking for a home where he can continue to progress, while Betty is ready for a peaceful home with an experienced handler to build a trusted bond.Meanwhile, nine-year-old Standardbred Newman is a rehoming success story. He was rescued from a traumatic situation involving nearly 100 horses, and as a mature stallion, his rehabilitation required expert veterinary care and patient groundwork to build his confidence. Having successfully recovered from being gelded and completed his journey in RSPCA care, Newman is now settling in at his new home with companion, Ben.Rehoming a horse from the RSPCA is a wonderfully rewarding journey, giving a beautiful, rehabilitated horse or pony a second chance at the loving forever home they deserve, added Milly. By choosing to adopt, you not only gain a wonderful new companion or ridden horse, but also help free up vital space for the next horse needing urgent care.To find out more, visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.Further readingTop tips for introducing hacking to an ex-racehorseHorse field management: essential paddock careBeware sycamore seeds this autumn: important vet advice about atypical myopathyEssential horse worming schedule and management tips from a vetThe post Equestrians urged to consider rehoming after unprecedented surge in rescues appeared first on Your Horse.
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