The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, a South West UK animal welfare charity, has launched its Christmas appeal to address the growing crisis in equine welfare exacerbated by cost of living pressures and climate challenges. Highlighting the case of Bourbon, a severely underweight two-year-old Arabian colt rescued from poor conditions in Cornwall, the charity underscores the desperate situations many horses face due to inadequate grazing, health issues, and lack of proper care. Despite intensive veterinary intervention and a structured recovery plan, Bourbon’s health remains fragile, illustrating the long-term commitment required to rehabilitate neglected horses.

This appeal comes amid alarming findings from an RSPCA report revealing widespread poor quality of life for horses in England and Wales, driven by factors such as obesity, lack of turnout, poor handling, and insufficient owner knowledge. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary offers confidential support to struggling owners and works to prevent neglect, but warns that this winter’s harsh conditions may increase the number of horses in crisis. The charity calls on the public for donations to continue providing specialist care and secure futures for vulnerable equines like Bourbon.