Horsing around at The Blue Cross in Northiam

Animal lovers in East Sussex enjoyed a day of horsey fun on Saturday (23 June) at an equestrian fun day held by The Blue Cross at the charity’s equine centre in St Francis Fields, Northiam.

Hundreds of people turned up to enjoy the sunshine and equine entertainment organised by the charity, which rehabilitates and rehomes horses and ponies in need.

Rosie Mogford, Blue Cross equine centre manager at Northiam, said: "We were thrilled that so many people came along to join in the fun. We were very lucky that the rain held off so everyone could enjoy the entertainment and the chance to have a look around the centre. The horses enjoyed all the attention too - they love showing off to a crowd!"

The fun day got off to a good start when students from Hadlow College in Kent performed a musical ride dressed in Pirates of the Caribbean costume. Not to be outdone, Blue Cross grooms Cat, Jenny, Harriet and Tracey also performed their own Wild West routine with resident horses Bob, Maizie, Emma and Tequila - accompanied by a live drumming band!

Then followed a driving display by Blue Cross pony Twinkle and her borrower Sally Bullar. Sally said: "It’s been great to bring Twinkle back to visit her friends at The Blue Cross".

Twinkle had an unfortunate start in life as an orphan foal. At two years old she was taken in by The Blue Cross and Sally became her borrower the following year. Twinkle has now been with Sally for ten years and they have made an extremely successful driving team, competing at both club and national level.

Fun day visitors were also treated to demonstrations by associates of The Blue Cross. Farrier David Henry talked about the importance of good shoes and dealing with nervous horses, while saddler Andrew Reilly showed how to correctly fit a saddle on horses of different shapes and sizes. Equine physiotherapist Lena Pearson-Wood demonstrated some common techniques for treating horses with back or joint pain, then equine shiatsu practitioner Karen Pennell talked about the use of shiatsu - treating the body as a whole - to rebalance a horse’s energy. Finally, Blue Cross grooms performed a remarkable makeover "from beast to beauty" on Blue Cross horse Duke.

The day drew to an end with a cheque presentation from photographer and Blue Cross supporter Rick Peters of Photo-Events UK, who raised £343 through donations from clients and by making contributions from every photograph sold for the last year.

As he handed over a giant cheque, Rick commented: "I’m delighted to make this donation to The Blue Cross to help them continue their vital work caring for horses. I support the charity’s work and just last week adopted a lurcher, Deiago, from the small animal centre."

Finally the raffle was drawn with several lucky winners receiving some fantastic prizes, including an equine shiatsu treatment, introductory riding lessons with Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre and Bedgebury Riding School, and the opportunity to have a portrait sketch of your pet. The sale of raffle tickets, tack and contributions from stall holders has so far raised a total of £482.24 for The Blue Cross, with more donations expected to follow.

Rosie Mogford added: "We’re just so grateful for the support and good will of all the fun day visitors. Being a charity, we rely on donations from members of the public and all the money raised will go towards our work caring for needy horses and ponies in the South East."

Media contact: Laura Dobson
Direct line: 0207 932 4065
Mobile: 07917132698

Notes to Editors

· Images of the fun day are available on request.

· The Blue Cross equine centre in Northiam has been caring for the region’s horses since it 1975, when it first opened on a site donated by a local lady called Kitty Comport. The centre has capacity for 25 horses and ponies on 30 acres of land with on-site stabling, field shelters and an all-weather riding arena.

· Visits to the Blue Cross equine centre in Northiam for individuals or groups are welcomed by appointment only. For more information or to book an appointment, please call 01797 253 908 between 8.30am and 4.30pm from Monday to Friday.

· The Blue Cross animal charity 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. For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.