Horse mad kids descend on Blue Cross Rolleston

7 August 2007

Following the success of its recent open day, The Blue Cross equine welfare centre in Rolleston has opened its doors to horse-loving youngsters from the local area, as part of the charity’s work to educate young people about equine welfare.

Over the last week, three separate visits have been held to introduce local children to the work of the charity and teach them basic principles of horse care.  The first event took place last Thursday (2 August), when eight children took part in a Blue Cross Pony Care Day.  With the help of Blue Cross staff they had a go at handling the horses, mucking out stables and cleaning tack. 

The following day (3 August), seven members of the North Warwickshire Pony Club and their parents were treated to a tour of the facilities and a riding demonstration by Blue Cross staff and horses.  On Monday (6 August), a further 15 children attended another Pony Care Day aimed at younger children aged 8 to 10 years.  Resident ponies Beach Boy, Misty and Star were willing participants, standing still while the youngsters tried out their grooming skills.

Charlotte Hughes, deputy centre manager at Rolleston commented: “It has been lovely to welcome so many young people who are obviously crazy about horses but also keen to learn about equine welfare.  Education is key to the work of The Blue Cross and our association with the Pony Club is a fantastic way for us to encourage responsible horse care in the next generation of horse owners.”

The Blue Cross announced its collaboration with the Pony Club in March this year, which includes sponsorship of the ‘Horse and Pony Care’ competition at the annual Pony Club Championships later this month. 

The five-day event in Shelford, Nottinghamshire brings together thousands of Pony Club members from across the UK to compete in nine different equestrian disciplines.  Staff and horses from The Blue Cross in Rolleston will be going along to support the event. 

Familiar faces will be manning the Blue Cross stand, acting as models in the Horse and Pony Care competition, and even taking centre stage to perform their now well-known re-enactment of The Blue Cross’s 110-year history.

Charlotte Hughes continued: “We’re all really excited about going to the Pony Club Championships in a few weeks’ time.  We’ve been busy practising our riding display and are hoping all the horses will be on their best behaviour.  It will be quite an adventure for them to travel up there and perform in front of so many people!” 

The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston hosts regular tours and events for groups of children and adults.  To enquire about organising a visit, please contact the centre on 0845 260 5505 or drop in at Dovecliff Road, Rolleston-on-Dove, Staffs, DE13 9AU. 

Media contact: Laura Dobson
Direct line: 0207 932 4065
Mobile: 07779632507

Notes to Editors

Images attached:

• Blue Cross groom Nick Bathew teaching children about tack
• Blue Cross groom Nick Bathew showing children how to muck out a stable
• Visiting children learning how to lead a Blue Cross pony

The Blue Cross Rolleston equine centre rehabilitates and rehomes horses and ponies in need.  The charity is constantly seeking responsible new homes for its animals.  If you think you can offer a Blue Cross horse a second chance in life, please contact the centre.

The Blue Cross receives no government funding so it relies on the support of animal lovers to continue its vital work.  If you would like to make a donation, please contact the equine centre or call head office on 01993 825 527. 

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

The Pony Club Championships take place from 19 to 23 August 2007 at Shelford Manor, Shelford, Nottinghamshire.  For more information, please visit the Pony Club website at www.pcuk.org.