Locals given preview of new equine centre

With the first horses and ponies settling in to the new Blue Cross equine rehabilitation centre in Rolleston-on-Dove, central Midlands, the charity opened its doors to local residents for a preview open day on Saturday 29 July.

Centre staff estimate over 1200 people came to view the charity's new facilities on Dovecliffe Road to find out more about the work with needy horses, watch riding displays and demonstrations and browse the numerous stalls and information stands.

The event gave animal lovers the chance to meet horses and staff and take tours of the cutting edge facilities designed to give horses the chance to lead active, useful lives in happy, dedicated new loan homes.

Kath Urwin, manager at the centre, said: "We were blown away by the number of people who came to visit us on Saturday and by the generosity the local community showed while they were here. It was such a warm welcome and we are truly thankful to everyone who came along."

Misty and Star (pictured), two Shetland ponies who came to The Blue Cross when their owners could no longer afford to take care of them, were just two of the animals being cared for by the grooms at Rolleston. Both ponies are on the charity's new sponsor a pony scheme and once the centre opens their sponsors will be able to visit them at the new site.

The equine centre will open its doors to the public on 19 August, with an official opening due to take place later in September.

Over the past decade, The Blue Cross has seen an increase in demand for its equine welfare services, and the central location of the new centre will help the charity extend its reach to even more needy horses. Working in support of the two existing Blue Cross equine centres in Oxfordshire and East Sussex, the new 60-acre site will have the facilities, space and equipment to allow Blue Cross staff to give up to 35 horses the help they deserve.