The rising price of hay has lead to an increasing number of malnourished horses, it is claimed.
Rachel Jenkinson, welfare manager at Lincolnshire-based rescue charity Bransby Horses, said it had received an “unprecedented” number of calls to help animals in need.
Hay is grass that has been dried over the summer months to use as winter animal feed. Due to the drought in summer 2025, less hay was made causing the price to rise.
According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, a large bale of hay cost £73 per tonne in December 2024. The same bale would now cost £131 per tonne.