Horse show and fun day in aid of needy animals

17 July 2008

The popular Blue Cross Annual Horse Show, to be held at The Blue cross equine welfare centre at Burford in Oxfordshire on Sunday 27 July, is much more than just a horse show. With a fair ground attractions, trade stands, refreshments and masses of children’s entertainment it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family. Proceeds from the day will go towards caring for the needy horses and ponies in the charity’s care.

Horse and pony lovers can enjoy a wide range of classes to suit all ages and abilities, with rosettes awarded to eighth place. There’s a wide choice of ridden and in-hand showing, including mountain and moorland and coloured classes, working hunter and best turned out. There are three separate rings for jumping where clear round, novice and BSJA classes will run throughout the day. For the less experienced there are some fun classes including fancy dress, hooves and feet and family horse and pony. There is also a special class for the best Blue Cross horse or pony, which is open to all Blue Cross horses and ponies out on loan or resident at one of the charity’s centres.

Exciting arena displays, trade stands, hobby horse gymkhana and refreshments are guaranteed to keep the non-horsey members of the family happily entertained. Tippy Toe the dancing dog will be providing a spellbinding display and the Pony Club will be showing off their skills in the main arena. Those with dogs can test their pet’s willpower with a trip down the great Temptation Alley. For the very young there’s face painting and a bouncy castle as well as the fun of fair ground rides and games. For the hungry there’s a variety of refreshments including delicious cream teas.

Kate Gloyn, deputy centre manager at Burford said: “We’re all really looking forward to this year’s horse show. It’s a wonderful family day out, with something for everyone whether they are horse lovers or they just want a great, fun day at a traditional, local country show.”

The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so it relies on the support of the public to continue its vital work. Money raised on the day will go towards helping animals like the little foal Lucky who was born at Burford after his mother Minnie was rescued from a neglectful owner and taken in by the charity. Lucky, who is now three months old, will remain at one of the charity’s dedicated equine centres until he is old enough to be backed and trained in preparation to be placed in a suitable home.  

For more information on the horse show and to obtain a schedule please contact The Blue Cross at Burford on 01993 822454. For more information on the Burford centre fun day and dog show, to be held on 10 August please contact the centre on 01993 822483.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Blue Cross rehabilitates and rehomes hundreds of horses every year at two equine centres in Burford (Oxon) and Rolleston (Staffs).  A third facility in Northiam (East Sussex) has just been relaunched as a rest and retirement centre for Blue Cross horses. 

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 fundraising and public donations to continue its vital work.  For more information please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.  

Media contact

Sarah Shephard, Bright Bay PR, 01986 784562 / 07768 958911

Laura Dobson, The Blue Cross press office, 020 7932 4065 / 07917 132 698