Show success for Blue Cross Solitaire

October 2007

Solitaire, a beautiful black mare undergoing rehabilitation at The Blue Cross equine welfare centre at Burford, Oxfordshire, formed a successful partnership with Blue Cross groom Annalisa Burge at the centre's final show of the season last month. The talented pair happily returned to the yard with a rosette from each of the show jumping classes.

Solitaire, a 15.2hh part thoroughbred, was signed over to the charity because she had behavioural issues. She has been undergoing a structured rehabilitation and retraining programme, which has included participation in several local shows and events. She is now looking for a home as an all round Riding Club horse, with an experienced and sympathetic adult rider.

Annalisa said:Solitaire is a gentle mare who needs to be ridden sensitively and I have really enjoyed working with her. She is forward going, has super paces and a very comfortable jump. It's so rewarding to feel that she is now ready to be rehomed she will make a lovely Riding Club horse with a confident rider. I will miss her when she goes though.

The stars of September's show were visitors Jenna McKay and her bay mare Rizzanto Touch. They scooped first place in both classes, to win gift vouchers generously provided by the show sponsor Hazelton Garage Horsebox Specialists.

The show was The Blue Cross Burford centre's final show for the 2007 event season. A series of six dressage, show jumping and combined training events were held during the year, as well as the hugely popular annual horse show. Together they raised a magnificent total of £4,200 to help fund the centre's vital work rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming horses and ponies in need.

The Blue Cross is funded solely by public donations and relies on the support of equine lovers.  Although the competitions have now come to an end there are still some exciting events to attend. On 27 October the centre will be holding a Community Service Volunteer (CSV) day as part of a national initiative to celebrate the important role played by volunteers. There will be riding displays, guided tours and presentations.  On 24 November there will be a second-hand tack sale with mince pies and mulled wine.  For further information please contact Blue Cross deputy centre manager Kate Gloyn on 01993 822454.

Facilities and resources at The Blue Cross 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 for Solitaire or another horse or pony in the charity's care, please contact one of our equine centres direct: Burford on 01993 822454, or Rolleston on 0845 260 5505.  Alternatively, email equine@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk.  

Ends
Notes to Editors

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