Blue Cross give horse a secure future

A needy pony has been given a safe and secure future in a new home thanks to The Blue Cross animal welfare charity.

Smudge, a beautiful six-year-old appaloosa mare, was one of a group of horses and ponies that were voluntarily signed over to the RSPCA when their owner sadly fell upon hard times and was unable to give them the care they needed during the coming winter.  The Blue Cross works closely with a number of welfare organisations and the RSPCA passed Smudge to the specialist care of The Blue Cross equine centre at Burford.

On arrival, Smudge was placed on a carefully devised rehabilitation programme that included a weight-gaining diet and attention from the farrier to deal with her extremely overgrown feet. The mare had been ridden but had done very little. When she had recovered her physical strength she was re-backed by experts at The Blue Cross and steadily brought on to achieve capable levels in flatwork, jumping and hacking.

After months under the expert care of staff at The Blue Cross, Smudge has recently been rehomed to the Baker family in Kiddeminster, where she is proving to be a fabulous Pony Club all-rounder for ten-year-old Lauren.

Lauren’s mother Joanne says: “Lauren fell in love with Smudge, or Rain as we now call her, when she saw her on The Blue Cross website.  When she finally met her and rode her for the first time there was an instant bond. They clicked completely and from then on it was Smudge or nothing! She has settled in to the livery yard as if she has never lived anywhere else and everyone at the stables is very jealous because she’s such an honest and genuine pony who can turn her hoof to anything, from hacking to cross country jumping, without any fuss!”

For owners struggling with their horse or pony this winter, The Blue Cross can offer help and information. The charity provides advice and support to owners who find they are in the heartbreaking situation of being unable to care for their animal any longer. The Blue Cross will endeavour to take those horses or ponies into its care to ensure they have a safe and secure future. For further information contact one of our three equine centres direct: Burford: 01993 822454, Northiam: 01797253908 or Rolleston: 08452605505 or, email equine@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk   For further information on the exciting new Sponsor-A Pony Scheme visit the website or telephone Callie Rose 01993 825564, e-mail callie.rose@bluecross.org.uk

Media contact: Sam Roberts
Direct line: 0207 932 4060
Mobile: 07917132698

Note to Editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing information, advice and practical support 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 further information visit the Blue Cross website at www.bluecross.org.uk