Foal naming competition winner

The names of two foals have been announced by The Blue Cross animal charity after being chosen in a charity competition.

The first foal, born to a New Forest pony called Mia, who was admitted to The Blue Cross for rehabilitation, has been named ‘Rufus’. Competition winner Rhiannon O’Neil from Alton in Hampshire got her inspiration for the name from the ‘Rufus Stone’ in the New Forest. Rhiannon also felt that because rufous means red it was appropriate because the foal is a red-brown colour.

The second foal, born to a mare called Indianna who was found emaciated and abandoned before coming into The Blue Cross, was named ‘Harrison’ by both Linda Thompson from Rossendale Lancashire and Finola McConville from Newry in County Down. Both chose this name because of the famous series of adventure films in which the led character, Indianna Jones, is played by actor Harrison Ford.

The lucky winners each received a photograph of the foal they named and also an officially signed certificate of naming.

Rufus and Harrison will make ideal companions for each other until they reach four-years old when they will be trained to be ridden ponies and eventually placed in approved homes on a monitored loan basis, enabling them to lead useful, active lives.

The Blue Cross is funded solely by public donations and relies on the support of equine lovers. Facilities and resources are not infinite, which means that needy horses can only be admitted to the centres once rehabilitated horses have been rehomed.

If you feel you can provide an experienced, long term home to a horse or pony in the charity’s care, contact Rebecca Wadham on 01993 822454, email rebecca.wadham@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk  Visitors to the site can also request a copy of the new Blue Cross equine welfare newsletter Equine Matters. 

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Note to Editors

Photographs are available.

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