Neglected horse rescued by The Blue Cross

15/10/2007

Wicka, an elderly horse in a pitiful condition, has been admitted to The Blue Cross equine welfare centre in Rolleston for specialist rehabilitation. The horse, estimated to be around 20 years old, was found in a very underweight condition and suffering from rain scald a painful bacterial skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to severe wet weather, without shelter.

Wicka was originally purchased by a well-meaning but inexperienced animal lover, who had seen the horse's obvious state of neglect as he passed his paddock by the side of the road. The animal lover was unable to provide Wicka with the specialist attention he needed to make a full recovery so, with the support of the RSPCA, he signed Wicka over to The Blue Cross.

Wicka was immediately taken to the charity's rehabilitation centre at Rolleston in Staffordshire, where he is now under the specialist care of the centre's dedicated grooms. He has been examined thoroughly by the centre vet who has prescribed treatment for his rain scald and has devised a diet and exercise regime designed to allow Wicka to build weight and condition slowly and safely.

Rolleston centre's head groom Catherine Read said: We have all fallen for Wicka because he is such a lovely, gentle horse, which is amazing considering how he has suffered. In time we hope he will make a full recovery and will be rehomed as a light hack or companion horse. His situation highlights the difficult circumstances faced by well-meaning but inexperienced owners who lack the knowledge, practical skills and facilities to help a horse in this condition.  Fortunately, The Blue Cross has the resources and expertise to provide the intensive day-to-day care that Wicka needs to regain his health.

The Blue Cross aims to rehome all horses and ponies in its care once they are physically and mentally fit enough.  Every rehomed horse or pony is routinely visited twice a year and friendly centre staff and experienced field officers are on call to offer advice. 

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, please contact one of our three equine centres direct: Burford on 01993 822454, Northiam on 01797 253 908 or Rolleston on 0845 260 5505.  Alternatively, email equine@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk.  

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Notes to Editors

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For more than a century, The Blue Cross has been dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming horses and ponies in need, giving them the chance of a new life in approved homes.
The Blue Cross rehomes more than 100 horses and ponies every year from its three dedicated equine centres in Oxfordshire, Sussex and Staffordshire. 
The Blue Cross also provides practical support, information and advice for horse and pony owners, with a range of educational materials available at centres and on our websites: www.bluecross.org.uk and www.allaboutpets.org.uk

Media contact
Laura Dobson, Senior Press Officer: 020 7932 4060 / 07917 132 698 or laura.dobson@bluecross.org.uk