Surviving the credit crunch is never easy, but when you have ponies and horses who rely on you for nurishment, shelter and medical attention, every small amount saved helps.

It’s tremendously sad that too many horses and ponies are abandoned every week, as owners struggle to cope with the economy as it is, because of this there are presently many horses for sale.

Sara Tuppen founder of the Horse Refuge in Wittersham Kent, knows all about looking after horses when money is scarce, and relies solely on donations to keep more than 40 rescued horses in good health. She believes there are a few points which could help make keeping a horses on a budget a little easier:

1. Many horses can live quite happily outside for the majority of the year, providing there’s nurishment, water and shelter available. Providing this is a suitable option for your horse, it could reduce your stabling prices by a large amount.

2. Removing shoes is an easy way to reduce outlay. If not ridden regularly, and not ridden on rough surfaces, many horses will not need shoes.

3. Sharing your horse is a great way to severely reduce costs, and helps to provide a cheaper introduction to horse riding for another person.

4. In many cases you can get free stabling and perhaps even hay and straw in return for chores. Helping to muck out, grooming, yard and paddock maintenance etc. are all ways which could save you money for a little work!

5. Vets bills are an unknown quantity but still have to be allowed for. If money’s a little tight, you may sometimes discover a lot of Vets will allow you to spread the cost.

6. Most of us can also make lifestyle adaptations! It’s not just finding ways to keep your horse more cheaply, you can do it too!

7. If achievable, horse owners can often join forces to buy feed and straw in bigger numbers, reducing the overall price and passing on savings to all.

8. Finally, you can look into placing your horse in a foster home, even as a family friend.

If you’re in a position to share, or even buy a horse or pony, there are still many horses for sale and ponies for sale available.