Equine education

Education is key to the work of The Blue Cross within the equine industry. With education activities underway and many more to be developed in the future, the charity is hoping to improve equine welfare standards even further for the good of the horse. Here is a list of current projects:

• Producing literature for all ages and levels on various aspects of horse and pony care, including expanding our on going obesity campaign to produce a weight reduction guide
• Introduction of the new Blue Cross welfare award for participating UK equine colleges
• Collaboration with other education establishments to improve the education offered in the UK, including colleges and distance learning
• Involvement with NEWC (National Equine Welfare Council) on working towards the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy to improve welfare standards and keep up to date with all welfare matters
• Providing second line assistance, working with other welfare organisations involved in the rescue and taking in of neglected and unwanted horses and ponies
• Beneficial links with The Pony Club including the sponsorship of their horse and pony care competition
• Educational talks presented to any horse and pony enthusiasts at riding schools and Pony Club camps
• Organising themed Pony Care Days at the centres to educate children on a specific equine related topic from welfare and the general care of horses and ponies. These are interactive and lots of fun for all levels and abilities
• Showing groups round Blue Cross centres to explain why horses and ponies come into our care, and how our specially trained staff retrain and rehome them to well-matched homes