Blue Cross Staff - “The Magnificent Seven”
BLUE CROSS EQUINE CENTRE
Animal welfare charity Blue Cross has built a home for sick and abandoned horses at Sunnymead Farm in Dovecliff Road. The site was left to the charity in the will of former owner Bob Archer. Further details can be found here.
Initially the centre will cater for approximately 25 horses and ponies though this number will increase to approximately 35 horses as the centre becomes more established. With many horses in The Blue Cross’s care coping with some form of behavioural problem, Blue Cross equine staff need a balance of empathy and experience to ensure each and every horse is given the most appropriate training.
The centre opened its doors to the public on 19 August 2006, and an official opening took place on 29 September.
Blue Cross Staff - “The Magnificent Seven”
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The existing farm buildings were old and dilapidated and are being replaced. |
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Leading equine charity, The Blue Cross, started work in June 2005 on a new equine welfare centre at Rolleston in Staffordshire.
The Rolleston site, located just off the Dovecliff Road, was bequeathed to the charity in 1990 by Mr Robert Archer, to establish an animal sanctuary in memory of his late wife Hilda. Working to support 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 at any one time the help they deserve.
Over the past decade, The Blue Cross has seen an increase in demand for its equine welfare services, so the central location of the new centre will help the charity extend its reach to even more needy horses. Established over 100 years ago to combat the problems faced by working horses, today The Blue Cross is better known for its work rehabilitating and re-homing horses and ponies in need. The charity’s equine centres are not retirement sanctuaries - the charity’s goal is for all its animals to be given a second chance in a worthwhile, fulfilling new home.
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The Blue Cross has been keen to ensure that the centre’s development is an asset to the site and local community. In empathy with the wishes of the late Mrs Archer, the new development leaves existing copses and hedgerows intact and is sympathetic to the environment. New tree planting in small spinneys will complement existing vegetation.
The centre itself comprises three principal barns, providing individual stabling and veterinary care facilities, communal loose housing and hay, bedding and feed storage. A brick built reception building accommodates admin support, including an information centre and educational materials, as well as visitor facilities.
Recruitment for staff to run the centre commenced early in 2006, followed by development of a local volunteer network to assist with specific centre activities once it is fully operational. It is hoped that the centre will be able to recruit successfully from the immediate local area.
The centre’s primary role is rehabilitation: bringing horses back to physical health and mental well-being, through dedicated care and re-training, to enable them to resume active lives in private homes on a monitored loan basis.
The Blue Cross has eleven small animal adoption centres across the country, each forming an integral part of the community in which it is based. Some of these centres have been providing animal welfare services in the community for over ninety years. It takes time to become established in a new area and to develop local support and links, and The Blue Cross has been encouraged by the amount of interest in the new development in Rolleston.
Kerstin Alford, director of equine welfare, at The Blue Cross said: “The new Rolleston centre will be a huge benefit, enabling The Blue Cross to provide a safe future, through its re-homing scheme, for even more horses and ponies that need help.
Read the Burton Mail article “Equine centre work gets underway” here.
The new Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston will soon be preparing for its first intake of horses and ponies. The new facilities have been custom-designed and built to a highly practical specification and the work has been overseen, every step of the way, by Kerstin Alford, equine welfare director for The Blue Cross.
Kerstin explains: “The new yard, paddocks and training facilities at Rolleston are very workmanlike and practical. The accommodation is flexible with a combination of stabling and communal barns, as well as a series of field shelters with hard standing. An extensive fencing programme is now underway to ensure maximum safety and security for all Blue Cross horses taken into the centre for rehabilitation”.
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The site comprises ten stables housed in an internal barn style complex, combined with separate communal barn housing and corral facilities providing a range of flexible housing options.
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Outside there is a large manege and an additional schooling area with a specialist sand-based surface to ensure that safe and varied training programmes can be carried out.
The Rolleston site was completed and handed over to The Blue Cross in early May and an expert team of staff has now been recruited with the majority recruited from the local area. They all bring with them a range of skills as well as knowledge of the area, which will be of huge benefit to the centre.
Initially the centre will cater for approximately 25 horses and ponies at any one time, though this number will increase to approximately 35 horses as the centre becomes more established.
The centre will host an official opening at the end of July where we will welcome guests from the Rolleston area to share in the celebrations. Further information about this will be listed on our website www.bluecross.org.uk and in the local press. <<< News
New Charity Given A Warm Welcome
It’s been an action-packed few months at the new Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston.
The centre has been operational since 19 August and staff estimate that over 1200 people visited the charity’s new facilities on a recent open day to find out more about the equine charity’s work with needy horses, watch riding displays and demonstrations and browse the numerous stalls and information stands.
Kath Urwin, manager at the centre, said: “We were blown away by the number of people who came to visit us on our open day 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, 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 the ponies are on the charity’s new “sponsor a pony” scheme and sponsors are able to visit them at the new site.
Several other horses and ponies have already been transferred to the site from the existing Blue Cross centres at Burford in Oxfordshire and Northiam in Sussex to increase opportunities for them to be re-homed to a wider surrounding area.
Sadly many caring owners are forced to part with their horses due to difficult circumstances. Wherever possible, The Blue Cross gives peace of mind to such owners by providing a safe future for their horses. If you are faced with needing to find a new home for your horse or pony The Blue Cross may be able to help. <<< News
Local Equine Charity Celebrate Grand Opening
Horses and ponies at the Blue Cross equine rehabilitation centre on Dovecliff Road, Rolleston-on-Dove, were joined by a host of guests on Friday 29 September to celebrate the grand opening of the new centre. Mrs Brenda Luke and Mrs Susan Brown, great nieces of Robert Archer who bequeathed the land to The Blue Cross in memory of his late wife Hilda, cut the ribbon to officially open the site and spoke about their family's love of animals and delight at seeing the centre helping so many needy horses and ponies. Guests were also present at a riding display where Blue Cross grooms demonstrated how a balance of empathy and training had helped the horses overcome past problems and given them a second chance of a worthwhile, fulfilling future.
News (May 2007) - Helping Horses in Need
The Blue Cross Equine Welfare Centre at Rolleston has been open almost a year. In that time it has helped nearly 40 horses and ponies, some of which have suffered neglect and cruelty, others who have been handed over by their owners who are no longer able to keep them. It has received 30 horses directly into the centre from the local area and the North with others coming from welfare organisations such as Redwings and the RSPCA.
Since it opened the centre has re-homed 17 horses and ponies, and has recently expanded its team with the addition of deputy centre manager, Charlotte Hughes and two grooms, Kathryn Swinnerton and Gary Stubbs. Volunteers play a vital role in the running of the centre and The Blue Cross has built up a strong volunteer base. The volunteers give their time free of charge to help out at the centre and help with a variety of jobs including, yard work, reception cover and maintenance. Without the assistance of the volunteers staff at the centre would not be able to dedicate so much of their time to working with the horses in their care.
As well as the core work of rehabilitating and re-homing horses the centre also carries out other activities. As The Blue Cross is funded entirely on public donations, many fund raising activities are carried out ensuring it is able to carry on its good work. During December the Centre at Rolleston held a Christmas Open Day which included a demonstration with miniature Shetlands Misty and Star and of course a visit from Santa!
The annual summer Open Day is on Saturday 28th July and it is hoped it will as successful as last year’s and will include a variety of demonstrations by the Blue Cross grooms and horses.
The Blue Cross actively promotes responsible horse ownership to ensure best practice in the care and welfare of equines. The charity produces nearly 30 ‘Caring for horses’ leaflets covering all aspects of horse care from basic first aid and ailments to Yard Safety and Security. As part of the education programme the centre is running a series of Pony Care Days aimed at helping youngsters grasp a basic knowledge and understanding of what is involved in the daily care of ponies, in addition it has also run a ground schooling course designed to help participants understand the benefits of lunging and long reining.
As well as its educational programme the centre is holding a number of unaffiliated dressage competitions throughout the summer and has been asked to participate in the Pony Club Championships in Nottinghamshire in August. As the most prestigious event in the Pony Club calendar, the Blue Cross is delighted to be taking part and will be taking a number of horses to provide a demonstration.
Courses and dates
Pony Care Days
Tuesday 29th May – Level 2
Friday 1st June – Basic
Un-affiliated Dressage
6th June 4th July
20th June 18th July
News (July 2007) - Sun Shines On Horse Parade
The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston-on-Dove welcomed over a thousand supporters to its summer open day on Saturday (28 July), raising an impressive £2,000 for the charity.
An unexpected spell of bright sunshine allowed visitors to make the most of the outdoor activities and riding displays. A highlight of the day was the re-enactment of The Blue Cross’s 110-year history, where staff and horses dressed up in war-time costume and even the centre’s resident dog Spud had a part to play.
Charlotte Hughes, Blue Cross deputy centre manager at Rolleston, said: “We were delighted that so many people came along to show their support for The Blue Cross. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the horses loved the attention too! A big thank you to everyone who made a donation on the day. We collected £2,000 that will help us continue our work caring for horses and ponies in need.”
The open day was supported by many local businesses who donated some impressive prizes for the prize draw. Local volunteers were also invaluable, running stalls and attractions including face painting, a bouncy castle and an archery masterclass.
John Kitchener from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who attended with three colleagues, said: “The open day has raised local awareness of the site and been a huge success. The number of people that have come through has been a blessing. We’ve had lots of kids looking at the fire engine as well as a few adults… big boys and their toys!”
Many people came along with young families and even brought animals of their own. Daniella Smith who came with her family from Stretton said: “There are lots of horses. I’ve been stroking them. And I’ve been on the bouncy castle!”.
Kathryn Foschtinski who travelled from Rushton near Macclesfield with her dog Ellie added: “The whole day is fabulous – an excellent way to promote The Blue Cross. Ellie’s really enjoying herself too, there are so many animals around.” <<< News
Winter 2007 News - Neglected Horse Rescued
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 re-homed 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 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 re-homed.
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. <<< News
The Blue Cross equine centre on Dovecliff Road is having a busy year so far, caring for more than 45 horses and ponies at any one time.
The centre takes in, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted horses and ponies, and is constantly in demand to offer help to equines of a variety of shapes and sizes. Wicka, a severely neglected horse who featured in the Winter issue of Rollestonian, continues to make good progress. His condition is improving as he is gaining weight and he is very happy and sprightly!
One of the latest arrivals at The Blue Cross is Bossie, an Ardennes mare, which is a rare breed originating from Continental Europe. They were bred for their ability to pull heavy loads through rough terrain so they have exceptionally thick chests and legs - making Bossie almost as wide as she is long! Unfortunately she has an ongoing eye condition that requires attention from experienced staff several times a day.
Due to the level of care Bossie requires and her wonderful temperament, she will remain at the centre for the foreseeable future and has joined cheeky ponies Misty and Star on the Sponsor a Pony scheme. Animal lovers who want to support the work of The Blue Cross can pay an annual donation to receive a certificate, regular updates on their chosen pony, and the opportunity to visit if they wish.
The recent wet weather has been bad news for field-kept horses and their poor grooms! Muddy conditions need careful management, but fortunately a large woodchip area installed in one of the paddocks last year has provided some respite away from the mud. It will also be useful in the summer for ponies requiring restricted grazing. The centre hopes to raise funds over the coming months to install more areas like this and stone gateways to make it safer for horses and people.
The Blue Cross is planning a busy schedule of fundraising and educational activities this year. The Christmas Open Day was a great success despite the extremely poor weather, and supporters helped to raise £800 for the horses and ponies at the centre. Several other events will be held later in the year, including another series of popular Pony Care Days starting with
28th March for 11years and above
31st March for 8 – 10 years
Our Summer Open Day will be on Saturday 26th July
The centre is also open to the public on Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from midday to 4pm. Visitors are welcome at other times by appointment. Please phone 0845 260 5505 or email - rolleston@bluecross.org.uk.
The Blue Cross has been lucky enough to be chosen as Charity of the Year at Badminton Horse Trials 2008, the largest equestrian event in the eventing calendar. Blue Cross horses from Rolleston will join those from other centres to perform a riding display in the main arena! The charity will be carrying out fundraising activities at the event in May and is already looking for volunteers to help. For more information, please phone 01993 825 568 or email badminton@bluecross.org.uk.
Staff and horses from The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston had the great honour of attending the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials as Charity of the Year at the beginning of May.
The internationally renowned event, attended by thousands of spectators each year, was an amazing opportunity for The Blue Cross to raise awareness of its work and vital funds to support the animals in its care.
Horses and grooms from the Rolleston centre had the great privilege of giving a riding display to music for Badminton spectators during the popular cross-country day at Badminton. Commentary was provided by six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green, who described each of the horses who were looking for homes.
Blue Cross Painter led the way, an 11-year-old, 14.3hh Sports Horse from Rolleston. She is a striking looking mare but when she came into The Blue Cross she was unruly and obese. Staff were confident that she could be a happy and active horse with the correct management, and she has now completed an extensive fitness and training programme. The Blue Cross is looking for a knowledgeable home for her as an all-rounder.
Blue Cross Shadow followed from Rolleston, an 8-year-old, 15.1hh cob. He came into the centre due to behavioural problems that had caused his owner to lose confidence. Initially he was overweight and very unfit, so he was put through a programme of rehabilitation. In the right home he will make a super riding horse but The Blue Cross will need to take great care to match him to a rider who will not allow him to slip back into his old ways.
Finally, Blue Cross Sonny entered the ring, a 19-year-old 15.2hh Connemara from Rolleston. He is a striking, affectionate horse who came to the charity due to his owner’s ill health. He is now looking for a new home where he can be used for hacking and some light dressage. He is a very friendly horse who likes attention but he needs a special home with experience of managing laminitis.
Kath Urwin, manager of The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston said: “All the staff at the centre were really excited about going to Badminton. We spent a long time working on our riding display and making sure all the horses looked their best for the big day, and everything went like a dream. Some people assume that animals end up at The Blue Cross because no-one else wants them or they are good for nothing. Badminton gave us an opportunity to prove them wrong and show the quality of our horses.”
Over the four days of Badminton Horse Trials, thousands of spectators visited The Blue Cross stand to show their support and find out more about the work of the charity. Over a hundred volunteers helped to collect donations from the public and sell raffle tickets to raise vital funds for the animals in the care of The Blue Cross.
Forthcoming Events
· Blue Cross ponies Misty and Star will be at Rolleston School
Fete on 7th June
· The Blue Cross Rolleston equine centre open day is on 26th July (10 am-3pm)
· Blue Cross pony care days will run during the summer holidays, but as yet we
haven't confirmed the dates
Success in the sunshine for Blue Cross (July 2008) Open Day
The open day at The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston-on-Dove on Saturday 26th July was a resounding success. Despite a forecast of torrential rain, the sun shone through and an impressive £3,000 was raised for the animal charity.
Over 1,500 visitors made the trip to the centre at Rolleston to enjoy the equine attractions, which included a riding display by some of the horses that are ready to go to loving new homes. The crowds were also treated to a side-saddle riding demonstration, which proved particularly popular. As ever, the bouncy castle was a huge hit with the children and they also enjoyed face painting, games and competitions.
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The famous Coors Shire horses, currently residing with The Blue Cross temporarily due to the closure of the Coors visitors centre, were one of the main attractions alongside the Blue Cross horses and ponies who are currently looking for new homes. Families flocked to see the impressive animals and one lucky visitor won a prize for guessing the combined weight of the three horses - a hefty 2740kg!
Kath Urwin, Blue Cross centre manager in Rolleston said: “We were really lucky the weather held off - a great day was had by all and we raised over £3,000. We’re really grateful to everyone who came along to support The Blue Cross, as their donations are vital to help us continue caring for horses and ponies at the centre.” The Blue Cross is a registered charity and does not receive government funding so it relies on the support of animal lovers to continue its vital work. <<< News
New CEO To Take The Reins At The Blue Cross
The Blue Cross has announced that it has appointed a new chief executive, Kim Hamilton. Ms Hamilton will take up the role on 1 September 2008, following the retirement of John Rutter after seven years in the driving seat.
Kim Hamilton is currently chief operating officer at Nacro, an organisation that gives ex-offenders, disadvantaged people and deprived communities the help they need to build a better future. Previously she spent over 20 years at Citibank, working her way up the organisation to hold several senior positions including UK treasurer.
This appointment comes at an important time for The Blue Cross, which is implementing a series of strategic initiatives to extend the range and impact of its work. Plans include: expanding its animal adoption and veterinary services across the UK; extending its education programme; increasing the involvement of volunteers; and developing its supporter base. <<< News
It’s a busy time of year for The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston as demand for our services is as strong as ever. With increased costs of food, bedding and electricity bills during the winter and the credit crunch continuing to bite, many horse owners are coming to us for help because they are struggling to cope. We currently have 40 horses and ponies in our care with more arriving in the next few weeks.
The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so we rely on the support of the public to continue our vital work. Local animal lovers are invited to show their support at our Christmas Fun Day on Saturday 6th December, from 11am to 3pm. Come along to enjoy festive fun for all the family with mulled wine and minced pies, Christmas crafts, a raffle and tombola. Meet the animals at the centre and find out more about our work rehabilitating and re-homing horses and ponies in need.
If you’re looking for a last minute Christmas present, why not sponsor a pony at The Blue Cross? For a one-off donation of just £15 a year, you can help support all the animals in our care. Sponsors receive a certificate, supporter magazine and regular updates about their chosen pony, as well as the chance to visit them at the Rolleston centre. Ponies currently on the scheme are:
Misty and Star
Misty and Star are two gorgeous miniature Shetland ponies that were signed over to The Blue Cross in May 2000 when their owners were no longer able to care for them. At first they seemed rather timid but after settling in they quickly turned into two very cheeky and adorable ponies, who get up to all sorts of mischief together. They can often be seen taking part in local events such as open days and parades. Because they are such good friends, Misty and Star are sponsored as a pair.
Bossie
Bossie is an Ardennes mare, a rare breed that is bred for their ability to pull heavy loads through rough, muddy terrain. As a result they have exceptionally thick chests and legs, making Bossie almost as wide as she is long! Unfortunately she has an ongoing eye condition that requires attention several times a day from the experienced staff at the Rolleston centre, but despite her condition Bossie has such a wonderful and loving temperament.
Look out for our open days and events in 2009, including Pony Care days on Monday 16th February (8-10 year olds) and Tuesday 17th February (11-14 year olds).
For more information, please contact The Blue Cross on 0845 260 5505 or visit us at the Rolleston equine centre (Hilda Archer sanctuary) on Dovecliff Road, Rolleston, DE13 9AU. Opening hours are: Monday/Tuesday/Friday by appointment only; Saturday/Sunday/Thursday from 12-4pm; and Wednesday from 12-7pm. <<< News
2008 - Busiest year for Blue Cross equine centre (Taken from Spring 2009 Rollestonian Article)
Last year (2008) was the busiest year on record for The Blue Cross equine centre at Rolleston. Demand for the centre’s expert rehabilitation and rehoming service was greater than ever, while the animal welfare charity’s various events and equine educational projects drew record numbers of attendees.
In 2008 The Blue Cross Rolleston centre found new homes for a total of 41 horses and ponies, an increase of 14 on 2007. This meant the charity could take in even more horses and ponies in need. A total of 119 local children enjoyed attending the centre’s educational pony care days and around 250 individuals participated in tours of the centre or talks about the charity’s equine welfare work.
Rolleston centre manager Kath Urwin explains: “We opened in 2006 and are delighted so many local people are becoming more aware of the work we do, particularly on the re-homing front. The more good homes we can find for horses and ponies on our loan scheme the more we can take in that need our help.
Talks to local groups and organising tours of the centre are proving to be effective and enjoyable ways to promote our work, as are our phenomenally popular pony care days, which were over-subscribed every time last year.”
2008 was also a successful year for fundraising for the centre. The annual summer open day in July drew 1,500 visitors and raised over £3000 while the Christmas fun day in December raised almost £2000.
Tree Planting
Generous grants from the East Staffordshire Borough Council and the International Tree Foundation are enabling Blue Cross to plant 1,000 native trees to create two separate areas of woodland, one between the paddocks and one along the back boundary of the centre. The trees will help to regenerate some of the open land and encourage wildlife but will also be used as memorial woodlands, where bereaved owners will be able to purchase a tree in loving memory of their horse or pet. As the trees grow they will also provide important shelter for the horses at the centre.
Earlier this year, The Blue Cross offered its support to the Coors Visitor Centre in Burton by providing temporary boarding facilities for its three popular Shire horses, when the Coors Visitor Centre and Museum of Brewing closed. As a mark of appreciation, twenty members of staff from the Coors Brewery have volunteered their services to help plant trees at the centre.
Tree Planting at Blue Cross November 2008
The Mayor of Burton, Cllr.Liz Staples; Vice Chairman of the National Tree
Foundation, Spencer Keys;
ESBC Tree Officer, Peter Eastaugh: Staff & Volunteers
Blue Cross Open Day - Saturday 25 July 2009
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Over 2,000 people supported the event, raising over £3,200 for the homeless horses and ponies who are living at the centre until they are ready to find new homes. This free annual event has become a favourite occasion on the local calendar and what’s more it’s all for a worthy cause, as proceeds from the day go towards caring for the needy horses and ponies in the charity’s care. Money raised on the day will go towards helping animals like Boris, Bertie and Benji, three badly neglected ponies that were admitted to The Blue Cross Rolleston centre via the RSPCA in the spring of 2008. The ponies were nervous and in very poor condition but with intensive handling they soon gained confidence and quickly put on weight and condition.
Boris has since been rehomed as a riding pony. Bertie and Benji are taking a little more time but are progressing well and should be ready to go to a new home soon (Report - August 2009).
Successful summer for The Blue Cross at Rolleston
The Blue Cross equine welfare centre at Rolleston in Staffordshire has enjoyed a successful summer season, hosting a total of eight events and raising almost £7,000, which will go towards caring for the needy horses and ponies in the charity’s care.
Blue Cross ponies Misty and Star have played a starring role in helping the centre with its all its fundraising activities this year. The gorgeous little Shetlands have almost reached celebrity status as the special guests at many shows and events around the region, promoting the work of The Blue Cross. They were also one of the many attractions at the centre’s annual open day this July, which attracted over 2,000 visitors and raised £3,200.
In June the centre held its first ever Barn Dance. Despite the wet weather 70 enthusiastic guests came along and helped to raise over £400. Local equestrian colleges, scouts, brownies and local societies have enjoyed guided tours of the Rolleston centre, to learn about the special design of the facilities as well as to meet some of the irresistible equine residents.
Rolleston once again ran several highly popular Pony Care days during the summer holidays, including a very well-received new Mini Pony Care day for under 7s and their parents. The children all loved learning about basic horse care in hands-on fashion and some of the youngsters even mounted up for a hobby horse gymkhana! More Pony Care and Mini Pony Care days are planned for October half-term and for the Easter holidays next year.
“It has been a wonderful year for The Blue Cross at Rolleston,” said deputy centre manager Becky Smith. “It's been action-packed and with many highlights but our favourite has to be our summer Open Day. The enthusiasm, admiration and support shown by our 2000 visitors on the day was inspiring and makes our hard work even more worthwhile.”
The Blue Cross Rolleston centre will be holding their Christmas fun day on 5 December. You will have the chance to enjoy a variety of demonstrations, browse the stalls, play some games and meet Father Christmas too!
Dates For Your Diary
Tuesday 27 October - Mini Pony Care Day for 7 year olds and
under, to be accompanied by an adult.
Friday 30 - October Pony Care Day for 8-14 year olds.
All they want for Christmas...is grass!
Shetlands Jenny and Percy will be indulging in a very special Christmas dinner as they sample their first mouthful of grass this Christmas.
The mother and son, aged 15 and five, were recently admitted to The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston when their elderly owner realised he could no longer care for them. They had lived in a shed all their lives, only occasionally being turned out into a tiny yard to stretch their legs, so they had never seen grass and were relatively unhandled. Poor Percy suffered the added problem of not being able to walk properly because of a locking stifle but thankfully a routine operation has now solved this problem.
Becky Smith, Blue Cross deputy centre manager, explains: “It will be lovely to turn Jenny and Percy out onto grass for the first time. Having spent a lifetime without it they are keen to make up for lost time but we have to introduce them to grazing very slowly, to avoid digestive problems. Hopefully by Christmas they will be able to stay in the field for short spells and will start to enjoy socialising with the neighbouring ponies.”
In their previous home Jenny and Percy had been used to a conventional diet of hay but with the unconventional and rather less healthy addition of digestive biscuits and chopped banana skins. It’s important for any changes to a horse’s diet to be made very gradually to give the gut time to adapt so that it can digest any new feeds effectively, even if, as in this case, the new feed is grass, which is usually the most natural diet for a pony.
Anyone who feels they can provide an experienced, long term home for a horse or pony in the charity’s care or would like further information on Blue Cross activities can contact the Rolleston Equine Centre on 0845 260 5505, e-mail rolleston@bluecross.org.uk or visit www.bluecross.org.uk. Events subject to change/cancellation.
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Last updated: 28 December 2009
