Blue Cross horse survives colic to take centre stage at Badminton

29/04/2008

A horse in the care of The Blue Cross animal charity has proved to be a true survivor after making a remarkable recovery from life-threatening surgery to lead out the world's finest event horses at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (1-4 May 2008).

As Charity of the Year at Badminton, The Blue Cross has the honour of leading out the Parade of Competitors at 1.50pm on Sunday 4 May in the main arena.  Blue Cross Guinness will be one of two Blue Cross horses to take centre stage, marking a complete change in fortunes for the lucky gelding.

A beautiful black 16hh Thoroughbred x Shire horse, Guinness first came to The Blue Cross as an unruly six-year-old when his owners could no longer cope with his challenging behaviour.  Following a period of retraining, he was successfully placed in loan homes for several years where he even took part in affiliated dressage competitions.  He returned to The Blue Cross last year when his borrower could no longer look after him.

Guinness soon became a firm favourite at the charity's equine centre in Burford (Oxfordshire), where he was used for staff training and as a hacking escort for inexperienced horses while a new home was sought for him.  It was a big shock when he went down with severe colic and had to be admitted to Bourton Vale Equine Hospital as an emergency case.

Vets diagnosed a lipoma (fatty lump) strangulating part of Guinness's small intestine - a condition which is fatal in around 40% of cases.  He underwent four hours of emergency surgery to remove 10 feet of damaged intestine and amazingly he survived. 

Kate Gloyn, deputy equine centre manager at The Blue Cross in Burford said: Everyone loves Guinness so we were all devastated when he was diagnosed with colic.  His condition was extremely serious and we were so relieved when the operation was a success.  With the care of our dedicated staff and careful management, he has made a remarkable recovery.

Following several months of rehabilitation at The Blue Cross, Guinness has been gradually re-introduced to ridden work and is now fit and well.  He is ridden regularly by Blue Cross riding groom Jenna Martyn who has even started to compete him again in local dressage competitions, with great success.  He will soon be ready to place in a new loan home where he can once again enjoy an active life as a ridden horse.

Jenna Martyn added: Guinness has been through such a lot in his life; he is a true survivor.  He is a pleasure to ride and loves showing off for a crowd so we're really excited about taking him to Badminton.  Last year we feared for his life and now he is taking centre stage at one of the world's most famous equestrian events.  It is nothing short of amazing!

The Blue Cross rehabilitates and rehomes over a hundred horses and ponies every year at its equine centres in Burford and Rolleston-on-Dove (Staffordshire).  A third facility in Northiam (East Sussex) provides rest and retirement for Blue Cross equines.

Ends
Notes to Editors

Photos of Guinness at The Blue Cross in Burford are available and/or interviews with Blue Cross staff.  Please contact the Press Office.

Photos of Guinness leading out the Competitors' Parade at Badminton will be available from Sunday 4 May. 

Guinness's colic surgery was carried out in April 2007 by vets at the Bourton Vale Equine Hospital, under the instruction of The Blue Cross.

Guinness and Jenna will have the privilege of leading out the competitors' parade at Badminton with another Blue Cross horse, Giggsey. 

The Blue Cross provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. 

The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding, so it relies on the generosity of the public to continue its vital work.  For more information please visit  www.bluecoross.org.uk.

Media contact
Sarah Shephard: 01986 784 562, brightbay@btinternet.com

Laura Dobson: 07917 132 698, laura.dobson@bluecross.org.uk