Warwickshire Hunt Pony Club Success at Netley Hall

Posted on Friday, October 25, 2013 by Heather Dodd

On 27^th July over 200 pony club competitors battled it out at the area 7 Novice Showjumping competition  at Netley Hall in Shrophire. Congratulations to Holly Booth from the Warwickshire Hunt Pony Club who took individual first place in the novice section with her beautiful pony Wisdom. Holly did a lovely double clear and earned herself a place in the jump off. With a top speed of 35 seconds  and some amazing tight turns she was very hard to beat. “I am delighted to have won” says Holly “after sadly being eleminated last year, I was determined to get to the championships this year”

The competition was tight and the atmosphere electric as the Warwickshire Hunt team of Holly Booth, Dani Chambers, Chloe Stevens and Honor Simcox took the Warwickshire Big Stars to 1st place victory winning them a day at the National Championships in Cheshire on 24^th August.

A massive well done to Chloe Stevens on Miss D Piggy. Chloe also took 6th place individually with a lovely double clear. This was Chloe’s first time at an area competition and she pulled out all the stops! The Warwickshire Triple X’s, Eddie Cowper, Harry Rugman, Imogen Forster and Lorna Topp showed some excellent skill and had everyone very excited at the ringside, as they took their team into 3rd place, also earning themselves a place at the championships! Imogen Forster, also from the Warwickshire Hunt Pony Club took 7th place individually on her beautiful mare Riverdancer.

Holly Booth and Wisdom.  Photo by Michael Martin Photography

The Novice team winners – Holly Booth, Dani Chambers, Chloe Stevens and Honor Simcox –  with their rosettes

Third placed team members -Eddie Cowper, Harry Rugman, Imogen Forster and Lorna Topp

Blue Cross Young Horse Crisis

Posted on Thursday, October 24, 2013 by Heather Dodd

Blue Cross has seen a 28 per cent increase in the number of welfare cases involving young horses and ponies, being admitted to its centres this year. The charity is urgently seeking experienced temporary homes for youngsters to free up space at centres for the further welfare intakes anticipated this winter.

This year 55 of the 197 horses admitted to the leading animal charity’s horse centres in Oxfordshire and Staffordshire have been youngsters under the age of four – a 28 per cent increase on last year (43). In addition the charity has witnessed a dramatic rise in the number of in-foal mares and mares with foals at foot being admitted to its centres and has already taken in a total of 13 this year.

These figures reflect the concerns voiced by leading charities, including Blue Cross, over the increasing numbers of horses and ponies needing their help. The organisations have warned that should a harsh winter be ahead they will be unable to cope with the numbers currently estimated to be at risk.*

Kath Urwin, manager of the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre at Rolleston in Staffordshire said: “That such high numbers of youngsters are being admitted as welfare cases is particularly worrying. From responsible breeding to rehoming rescue horses, everyone has a part to play in helping to turn this alarming trend around.”

To ensure there is enough space at its centres to take in welfare emergencies this winter Blue Cross is urgently looking for experienced temporary homes for 23 youngsters, until they are old enough to be backed either in the home or at the centre, as well as eight mares with foals at foot.

Emmett (pictured above) was less than a year old when he rescued as part of a large welfare operation by the RSPCA in January 2012. He was severely malnourished and suffering from strangles as well as a lice infestation when he arrived at Blue Cross and needed veterinary care, a special feeding regime and intensive handling to prepare him for his future.

With lots of patience and a tailor made training programme to help him bond with people and build his confidence Emmett turned a corner and became bolder and more content, and he has now been rehomed as a field-mate to another pony. He is progressing well and has settled happily into his new home. When Emmett is four years old, he will be assessed to see if he is suitable for training as a riding pony.

Kath explains: “If you have the facilities and knowledge to help us you might also be interested in our foster care scheme that uses suitable volunteers to provide short term respite care for some of our horses and ponies. We will provide support, guidance and training and will reimburse for costs.”

To find out more visit www.bluecross.org.uk