Small white horse with back markings being stroked by women in Blue Cross uniform in a green meadow

All about horses and ponies

6 per cent of those who filled in the Big Pet Census own a horse or pony. In total, we had an insight into the lives of 11,587 of the UK’s much-loved horses.

Part of the family

Despite not living in the family home, 87 per cent of the horse owners we spoke to still very much view their horse as part of the family. 52 per cent view them as their best friend.

And these gentle giants show their love for us in a variety of ways:

Illustration of a brown horse and woman patting its neck
  • 75 per cent say their horse comes to them for affection
  • 68 per cent say their horse is excited to see them
  • 56 per cent say their horse ‘talks’ to them
  • 34 per cent say their horse gives them kisses
  • 24 per cent say their horse gives them cuddles
  • 14 per cent say their horse protects them

Owners ask, are you happy?

Out of all the species we reported on, horse owners were the most interested in whether their horses are happy, with 30 per cent wanting to ask the question.

Birthday celebrations

And to share the appreciation for our four-legged friends, 57 per cent of people we spoke to say they celebrate their horse’s birthday in some way, with a further 18 per cent saying that they sometimes celebrate the day.

How your horses are kept

Most horse owners (61 per cent) keep their horse part-stabled and part turned out and around a quarter turned out with a shelter​.

The majority (90 per cent) of horse owners say that their horses spend more than 20 days per month with other horses. Horses are very sociable animals, make strong bonds and feel more secure in the company of other horses.

Read more about what horse's need and their natural behaviour.

Costs come out top of concerns

When we asked you what your concerns are when it comes to horse welfare, it’s unsurprising that costs come out top of that list.

55 per cent of horse owners are worried about the cost of vet bills, with a further 31 per cent worried about the costs of keeping a horse and 30 per cent worried about the cost of insurance. 

As an animal rescue charity which takes in hundreds of homeless and abandoned horses every year, it’s something we’re concerned about. And we wouldn’t be able to help as many horses as we do find new, loving homes without our generous supporters.

33 per cent of people are also concerned about what will happen to their horse as they age and 25 per cent are worried about horse theft. 18 per cent are also worried about lack of control over yard facilities.

We also asked horse owners what their top concerns are for horse welfare across the UK more generally:

  • 72 per cent say they are worried about lack of owner knowledge
  • 57 per cent say they are worried about horse abandonment
  • 52 per cent of people are worried about the rising costs of owning a horse
  • 50 per cent are worried about selling scams
  • 47 per cent of respondents are worried about horse theft across the UK
  • 38 per cent of owners are worried about end of life care for horses

 

[Illustrations by Laura Ireland] 

— Page last updated 09/03/2023