Horse and pony overbreeding has created large numbers of unwanted horses whose welfare is severely compromised by abandonment, neglect, and poor care.
Abandoned horses suffer starvation, parasites, and exposure. Horses in neglect cases often arrive at rescues severely emaciated requiring months of rehabilitation. Unwanted horses sent to slaughter face long-distance transport stress and inadequate facilities. Overbreeding creates a supply chain of horses whose welfare is poorly considered. Breeding decisions focused on conformation often produce animals with heritable health problems.