The RSPCA are recommending that horse owners plan for the future of their ageing equines by investing in ‘pony pensions’.

The charity has said that people should budget for the costs involved in caring for a horse past their working life. With horses living on average between 25 and 35 years that could be for a very long time.

There are also concerns over the increase in numbers of unwanted animals due to owners no longer being able to afford to keep them.

Last week the Horse Trust said that the demand to rehome equines had increased fivefold due to the recession.