IT IS often said there are more horses in the UK today than there were at the time the industrial revolution began.

Which probably accounts for the fact that since the recession started to bite, a large and increasing number of horses have found themselves unwanted and homeless.

The RSPCA nationally is currently looking after 600 horses and ponies which have suffered neglect or cruelty – double the number from last year.

Half of these animals are juveniles, too young to be ridden.

The human race has had a long relationship with horses. Generally, it has to be said, the relationship has been an abusive one.

Used to drag things about, take riders into battle and carry unfeasible loads, horses have been long-suffering and ill used.

It is estimated that up to eight million horses, donkeys and mules were killed in the First World War. It is a statistic that inspired Michael Morpurgo to write War Horse. Factor in all those killed in the countless wars since people first started throwing sticks at each other and that amounts to a lot of horse flesh.

Then there are the horses that were used down mines, in farming and construction.

And now in the 21st century there’s a rising tide of cruelty and neglect towards these valiant beasts.

The horse trade has all but collapsed, leaving many young horses changing hands for pocket money prices to people who have no idea how to care for them.

“I’ve heard of young horses being sold in pubs and we’ve come across a case of someone keeping a horse on a tower block balcony and feeding it on kitchen scraps,” says Salley Learoyd, the RSPCA’s equine rehoming officer.

She is now launching an emergency appeal, Stable Future, to find responsible fosterers for young horses.

It also needs to raise cash to feed and treat the horses. If you think you can help check out www.rspca.org.uk/stablefuture