HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is urgently appealing for public awareness and systemic change in response to a growing crisis, the abandonment of horses across the UK. The recent rescue and heartbreaking euthanasia of an elderly pony known as “Spider” underscores the severity of the problem, and the agonising decisions that equine charities are being forced to make in the face of suffering.

Spider came into HAPPA’s care after being found abandoned on private land. Under the Control of Horses Act 2015, landowners notified authorities and when no owner emerged, HAPPA legally accepted stewardship of the pony. When Inspectors attended the scene, they scanned Spider for a microchip in the hope of tracing his owner, but heartbreakingly, none was found. At that moment, there was no medical history and only initial signs that he had been handled in the past. He was transported to HAPPA’s Shores Hey Farm for a full veterinary evaluation.

But what was discovered could not be ignored. Spider was elderly and burdened by a cascade of severe health issues, advanced Cushing’s disease, laminitis, extreme lameness, COPD and asthma, and a thickening in his right eye that threatened total vision loss. The cumulative effect of these conditions meant that Spider was in unrelenting pain and respiratory distress. Each new diagnosis revealed more clearly why he may have been rejected by whoever had cared for him before.

Spider’s abandonment is a symptom, not an isolated case. Across the UK, equine welfare charities are sounding the alarm:

• HAPPA itself has seen a 33% increase in equines seized from owners unable to cope, with around 40% of those cases involving abandonment.
• World Horse Welfare notes that more than 6,000 horses in England and Wales are currently assessed to be at risk of neglect or suffering.
• As early as 2012, Redwings documented a jump from 160 abandonment reports in 2009 to 768 in 2012.
• The joint report Britain’s Horse Problem, published by a coalition of leading equine charities, warns that despite changes to legislation (such as fly-grazing laws and equine ID), the system remains broken. Rescue charities are still operating in crisis mode and demand is outstripping capacity.

These organisations stress common themes: overbreeding, insufficient regulation, weak enforcement and owners overwhelmed by escalating costs (from feed and veterinary care to general upkeep). Without intervention, they warn the crisis will deepen, stretching the limited capacity of rescue and rehabilitation charities.

When Spider arrived at Shores Hey, HAPPA’s equine team and veterinary partners initiated a stepwise care protocol, stabilisation, pain management, diagnostics and assessment of his quality of life. But it soon became tragically evident that Spider was beyond recovery.

Over time, his laboured breathing worsened, his mobility declined further, and his pain was unrelenting. No treatment could reverse or halt the combined progression of his diseases in a way that would restore comfort or dignity. The decision to euthanise was not taken lightly, but in the interest of preventing further suffering, it was ultimately the kindest, most responsible choice.

Amanda Berry, Head of Equine Operations at HAPPA, says:

“From an equine welfare standpoint, Spider’s case was one of the most complex and heart-wrenching we have encountered. Every time we believed we might stabilise him, new complications emerged. But the guiding principle for us is always, we do what is best for the horse. In Spider’s final days, prolonging life would have meant prolonging pain. As difficult as it was, euthanasia was the only humane option.”

 Spider’s case is symbolic of how charities across the UK are being overwhelmed:

• Rescue centres are often operating at full capacity, with waiting lists for incoming equines.
• Many cases require repeated visits, legal intervention and multiagency cooperation, draining staff time, volunteers and financial resources.
• Britain’s Horse Problem report argues that charitable efforts, though heroic, are insufficient unless paired with enforcement, education and stronger regulation.
• Charities also express frustration at “rescue attempts” by well-meaning but under-resourced individuals, which sometimes exacerbate situations rather than resolve them.

Sarah Arthur, CEO at HAPPA, adds:

“Charities like ours exist to step in when owners fail or encounter crisis, but we are not miracle workers. Spider’s story is a painful reminder that abandonment is not a random tragedy, it is often the outcome of systemic failure. Under-resourced owners, weak oversight and a lack of accountability. While we grieve his loss, we must also commit ourselves to preventing such tragedies in the future.”

If current trends continue, many welfare groups fear they will be unable to intervene when future cases arise, leading to more horses left to suffer alone.

To prevent more tragedies like Spider’s, HAPPA urges:

1. Responsible ownership – Owners must plan for their horses’ long-term care, including in times of financial hardship. Charities encourage early rehoming, discussions with welfare groups or adoption through sanctuary networks rather than abandonment.
2. Stronger enforcement and regulation – Local authorities must be empowered and resourced to implement equine welfare laws fully. Legislation is only as good as its enforcement.
3. Public awareness and support – Donations, sponsorships, volunteering, and public advocacy are crucial to sustaining rescue operations and maintaining relief capacity.
4. Intervention before crisis – Charities often provide advice or support to owners who are struggling before neglect becomes abandonment. Early help can prevent heartbreak later.

Spider’s story is one of thousands that remind us why HAPPA and fellow welfare charities continue their vital work, standing up for the horses that others have forgotten. His life, though short in HAPPA’s care, was filled with compassion, warmth and the dignity he deserved all along. By sharing his story, the charity aims to inspire reflection and change, so that no horse will ever be abandoned, neglected, or left to suffer in silence again.

HAPPA urges everyone who loves horses to be part of the solution by reporting concerns, supporting welfare charities and promoting responsible ownership.

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