The Horse Trust has launched an urgent appeal to help secure this winter’s forage rations, as they struggle to meet demands. Those who own and care for horses will know how essential hay is during the winter, and the charity has 130 equine residents to look after during this time.
Poor weather and reduced harvests has meant prices have gone up across the country, and keeping horses healthy and well-fed is more challenging than usual.
Each equine resident at the Horse Trust consumes around 3.5 tonnes of forage annually. As winter approaches and hay supplies run low, the charity needs to raise £50,000 to ensure it can feed all of its horses through the colder months ahead.
Earlier this year Your Horse shared concerns over this season’s hay yield.
Some parts of the UK, particularly in the south and the east, saw severe drought conditions, which severely impacted hay production.
“This year has been one of the most challenging growing seasons we’ve faced,” said Tom of the Estates Team at The Horse Trust. “Despite all our efforts, our hay yield is down by 50%, meaning we’ll need to buy much more than usual to keep our horses fed through winter.”
To support the Horse Trust appeal, click here.
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