Day of horseplay at The Blue Cross in Burford

5th June 2008

The Blue Cross equine centre in Burford is opening its doors for a fun day out for all the family on Sunday 15^th June. Why not bring along animal-loving dads for a Father’s Day treat?

The centre, which rehomes and rehabilitates needy horses and ponies, will host a day packed with activities for horse enthusiasts including riding displays, meeting the ponies (and having photos taken with them) and tours of the stables.

Kate Gloyn, Blue Cross equine centre deputy manager at Burford, said: “We have great day planned at the centre. It’s a wonderful opportunity for local people to meet the horses and find out more about the work we do at The Blue Cross, while enjoying our beautiful surroundings here at Burford”.

Best friends Sooty and Jacob have been with The Blue Cross for many years in a successful loan home. They have recently been returned through no fault of their own and are looking for another loving family to join. Fellow stable mate Martyn is a nine-year-old native pony who was neglected by his previous owner. He has now been rehabilitated by the charity and is due to go to a new home shortly. They are just some of the characters you can meet on the day.

Visitors are also invited to meet the animals currently looking for new homes in the cattery and small animal unit.

Family activities include a brand new walkway orienteering quiz around the horse fields, where children can use information from signs around the equine centre’s walkway to complete a quiz and receive a Blue Cross goody bag at the end.

The Blue Cross equine open day will take place from 11am to 3pm in the grounds of The Blue Cross Equine Centre at Burford, on Shilton Road, Burford, OXON, OX18 4PF.  For further information, please call 01993 822 454.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Media are welcome to attend, please contact the press office for more information.

Photos of Martyn the pony are available and more photos will be available after the event on request.

Burford animal adoption centre was opened in 1990, and serves the counties of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and Northamptonshire. There are facilities for up to 60 dogs and puppies, 48 cats and kittens, seven pairs of rabbits, and six guinea pigs.Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre call 01993 822483. Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday and Bank Holidays: 11am to 4pm. Closed on Thursdays.

The equine division of The Blue Cross cares for more than 400 horses and ponies nationwide. The Burford equine welfare centre receives horses and ponies from a variety of backgrounds, including cases of neglect, behavioural problems and those where the owner is no longer able to care for their animal. At Burford, residents receive dedicated rehabilitation from an in-house team using excellent facilities in addition to support from vets, farriers, dentists and chiropractors. Through this care the horses and ponies can reach their potential, enabling them to live a relaxed and happy life within an inspected, loving home.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal 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.

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Sophia Khan: 020 7932 4060, sophia.khan@bluecross.org.uk