Blue Cross horse survives colic to take centre stage at Badminton

A horse in the care of The Blue Cross has proved to be a true survivor after making a remarkable recovery from life-threatening surgery to lead out the world's finest event horses at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, which take place on 1-4 May 2008.

As Charity of the Year at Badminton, The Blue Cross has the honour of leading out the Parade of Competitors at 1.50pm on Sunday 4 May in the main arena. 'Guinness' will be one of two Blue Cross horses to take centre stage, marking a complete change in fortune for the lucky gelding.

Firm favourite

A beautiful black thoroughbred, Shire cross horse, Guinness first came to The Blue Cross as an unruly six-year-old. Following a period of retraining, he was successfully placed in loan homes for several years where he even took part in affiliated dressage competitions. Guinness soon became a firm favourite at the Blue Cross equine centre in Burford, where he was used for staff training and as a hacking escort for inexperienced horses while a new home was sought for him.

Sadly, Guinness contracted severe colic and was admitted to Bourton Vale Equine Hospital as an emergency case. Vets diagnosed a lipoma (fatty lump) strangulating part of Guinness's small intestine - a condition which can be fatal. He underwent four hours of emergency surgery to remove 10 feet of damaged intestine and amazingly he survived. 

Kate Gloyn, deputy equine centre manager at The Blue Cross in Burford said: "Everyone loves Guinness so we were all devastated when he was diagnosed with colic. His condition was extremely serious and we were so relieved when the operation was a success."

Enjoying life again

Following several months of rehabilitation at The Blue Cross, Guinness has been gradually re-introduced to ridden work and is now fit and well. He is ridden regularly by Blue Cross riding groom Jenna Martyn who has even started to compete him again in local dressage competitions, with great success. 

Jenna says: "Guinness has been through such a lot in his life; he is a true survivor.  He is a pleasure to ride and loves showing off for a crowd so we're really excited about taking him to Badminton.  Last year we feared for his life and now he is taking centre stage at one of the world's most famous equestrian events. It is nothing short of amazing!"

• Blue Cross is Badminton's charity of the year
• Badminton Horse Trials website

30/04/2008