The British Horse Society (BHS) is reminding those considering purchasing a gift horse for Christmas that these animals require care for life.

"There is a heart-breaking problem in this country: hundreds if not thousands of horses being abandoned in fields and roadsides because their owners or breeders cannot or will not care for them," the BHS said in a statement on their website. "So what’s wrong with a ‘horse for Christmas’? Horses need and deserve skilled care from knowledgeable people. In this market they may be inexpensive to buy, but they can be costly to keep."

Similarly in the United States, many equine rescue and rehabilitation facilities are looking for homes for some or all of their residents. While a horse–be it from a rescue or from a seller–might be the ideal Christmas gift for some people, it’s important to seriously consider the expenses and time the animals require.

"The British Horse Society encourages anyone in a position to care properly for a new horse to contact one of the many reputable horse rescue centers who are looking to match you with the right horse," the organization concluded