Karen Dixon pledges support for Badminton charity

01/05/2008

At the start of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (1-4 May) the acclaimed three day event rider Karen Dixon has a particular reason to be delighted that The Blue Cross is the event's Charity of the Year.  The organisation has recently taken in 30-year-old Fosseway Surprise, a horse Karen rode round Badminton twice during the 1990s.

The thoroughbred ex-race horse turned eventer was signed over to The Blue Cross equine welfare charity last year, because his elderly breeder and owner had sadly died and the horse was in desperate need of a new home. The executor of the owner's estate believed that the charity would provide Fosseway, who is in excellent condition for his age, with a secure and comfortable future in his twilight years.

Fosseway was initially taken in by The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston (Staffordshire), where he was assessed and treated for a minor skin complaint.  He will not be rehomed due to his age and his specialist health requirements.  Instead, he will be transferred to the recently opened rest and retirement centre for Blue Cross horses in Northiam, East Sussex.

When The Blue Cross became aware of Fosseway's famous past they contacted Karen Dixon. She was thrilled to hear that her old favourite is leading a healthy retirement at such a ripe old age.

She said: Fosse was formerly a race horse and I produced him from novice level to the top of the sport. He was an amazing cross country horse and gave me some of my best ever rides round Badminton. We had the pleasure of leading the dressage in 1991, although we later lost our lead with a run out at the Vicarage Vee. Eventually Fosse returned to his breeder who absolutely adored him and had followed his career through thick and thin.  It's lovely to know that Badminton is supporting such a worthwhile charity as The Blue Cross and it's great news to learn that Fosse is in such capable hands for his deserved retirement.

While ex-Badminton horse Fosse is now enjoying a relaxed life at The Blue Cross, other horses from the equine welfare centre will be making the trip to Badminton for the first time.  As part of its role as Charity of the Year, The Blue Cross is permitted to perform a riding display in the main arena at 10am on Saturday, where visitors can find out more about the horses that are currently looking for homes.

Kath Urwin, manager of The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston said: The riding display gives us a fabulous opportunity to showcase some of the wonderful horses and ponies in the care of The Blue Cross. It's a misconception that equine charities only care for horses that no-one else wants. We have some very smart horses and ponies that, for one reason or another, have needed our help.  Being Charity of the Year at Badminton gives us a chance to show the public how rewarding it can be to take on a Blue Cross horse.

The Blue Cross has plenty of activities planned for Badminton, where visitors will be able to find out more about their work rehabilitating and rehoming hundreds of horses and ponies every year. 

Two lucky Blue Cross horses will have the rare opportunity to lead out the Parade of Competitors on Sunday at 1.50pm.  Fans will have the chance to meet celebrity supporter Mary King at an autograph signing on the Blue Cross stand today (Thursday) at 2pm.  The Blue Cross stand, next to the organiser's office, will also feature competitions, information about the charity and details of all the horses and ponies that are currently available for loan.

The Blue Cross cares for thousands of sick and homeless animals every year at its adoption centres and hospitals nationwide. The charity 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.bluecross.org.uk. 

Ends
Notes to Editors
Images available on request: Karen Dixon riding Fosseway Surprise at Badminton in 1992; Fosseway Surprise at The Blue Cross today.
Interviews with Blue Cross staff available on request.
Badminton Horse Trials, sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors, takes place from 1 to 4 May 2008.  For more information, please visit www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

The charity's main activities at Badminton include:
Thursday 1 May (2pm):   Mary King autograph signing on the Blue Cross stand
Saturday 3 May (10am):  Blue Cross riding display in the main arena
Sunday 4 May (1.50pm): Blue Cross horses lead out the Parade of Competitors in the main arena

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.    

Media contact
Sarah Shephard: 01986 784 562, brightbay@btinternet.com
The Blue Cross press office, 020 7932 4060, sophia.khan@bluecross.org.uk