A record number of horses were surrendered to the Massachusetts SPCA during 2009.
The welfare organisations says horse surrenders throughout New England have reached a critical point, saying horse owners are battling the high costs of feed, hay, and stabling amidst a poor economy.
The result is an increasing number of horses being surrendered to its equine centre at Nevins Farm in Methuen.
In 2007, it cared for 21 surrendered horses. That number climbed to 70 horses surrendered in 2009.
Last week, the group received five surrendered horses in two days.
"We have not seen a continuous stream of surrendered horses like this before," said Melissa Ghareeb, Nevins Farm's barn manager.
"Horse owners are struggling, horses are suffering and our resources are dwindling. We need our supporters now more than ever, in any way that they can help."
The organisation says it needs an average of $US320 each month to provide basic care for each horse, not including special medical treatment.
It currently has 28 horses at its Methuen farm and 17 additional equines in foster care.
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