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
Charity Horse and Dog Show For Birmingham Childrens’ Hospital
Posted on Thursday, August 1, 2013 by Heather Dodd
South Staffs College, Rodbaston Campus, Staffordshire 2nd June 2013
Prizes for the Reserve, Reserve Supreme and Supreme Champion. Rosettes and sashes were sponsored by E J Rushton.
Show Champion Leander Walton with sponsors of the silver cups Allana and Rochdale Green of Paul Greens Jeweller’s.
We had yet another fabulous day with very high standards in all of our classes at the Charity Horse & Dog show for Birmingham Childrens Hospital and Mary Stevens Hospice, writes organiser Pat Sharman.
Though fundraising was a little down on last year, due to several other local shows on the same day, all things considered we didn’t do too badly in raising close to £4000 for the two charities. Although it is hard work to organise a show like this, it is very rewarding especially when we hand over the money to Birmingham children’s hospital. This year we raised funds for the Cancer Appeal . Last year we went to a Thanksgiving for various fund raisers and I found the evening very emotional as there’s a chance to see and meet some of the children being treated for cancer and yet still fundraising. It is very humbling.
The ground at South Staffs College Rodbaston Campus was superb and we are extremely grateful to the college for loaning us the ground and the use of the indoor school too for the evening performance. We also received some lovely comments from competitors, who loved the rosettes, sashes, trophies and prizes.
We aim to run the show next year, and will be looking for sponsors again. This year as well as horsey gifts we had fabulous raffle prizes including precious stone earrings, tickets for a day at the races, a day at the zoo, safari park, Black Country Museum, meals out and more.
We had a brilliant show and thank everyone involved from the bottom of our hearts
Wins in the In Hand Part Bred and In Hand Foreign Breeds led to the In Hand Championships and later Supreme of the Show Championship for Leander Walton’s three year old filly Jannah’s Prospect. Owned jointly with Leander’s partner, Tim Barnes, Jannah’s Prospect is by the Hanoverian stallion Medoc out of Maybe Just Maybe.
This stunning filly with 4 identical white socks began her career with wins as a foal including reserve supreme light horse at The British National Foal show. Shown lightly as a yearling and 2 yr old winning at local and county level, she matured very well over the winter and has had a fantastic 3 yr old start with champion at NCPA Cheshire, Champion at North Staffordshire Showing Society, Champion horse at Amateur showing, Champion at MIDARC Winter Championships and reserve supreme, Champion at Crooks Cottage charity show and now supreme at Rodbaston.
Her owners say that “Mai as she is known at home can be very naughty however she is always foot perfect in the show ring and is an absolute privilege to show! It is as if she was born to be in the show ring! She is our 2nd foal from Maybe Just Maybe, who is also a prolific winner in-hand and has been to Olympia in the veteran class for the past 2 years.”
Leander adds: “The Charity Show was a fantastic show and I would like to express my thanks to Pat and Tina Sharman who worked tirelessly to ensure its success. The rosettes and sashes were beautiful and the supreme trophy has pride of place in our living room! Tim and I had a fantastic day and were extremely proud of our young filly.”
Sarah Jocics from Tamworth was 4th the In Hand Traditional Gypsy Cob class and 6th in the dressage with her four year old gelding, Jack.
Sarah tells CHN: “I had riding lessons when I was younger but hadn’t ridden in many years until I got Jack at the age of 25. Jack was six months old when I got him and I spent lots of time working on his manners and groundwork. I broke him my-self last year and he has come on leaps and bounds. We have training lessons every week with Victoria Thirlby, who is a well-known eventer and BE coach. We are hoping in the future to compete in eventing which Jack is showing a real interest and enjoyment in.
Jack has a very cheeky personality but always looks after his rider and even though he is only 4 he has had many different riders from a 7 year old to an event rider. He is well mannered but knows who will let him get away with things. In all Jack is a true cheeky chappy and a much loved addition to our family.”
There was a selection of rosettes for Chloe Palmer who says, “It was an amazing day and I was there from start to finish. I was competing on my 4year old mare Mercia Dirty Dancer and we picked up two 2nds (WH & Concours class) a 3rd (Working Hunter) and a 5th in our First Walk and Trot Dressage test – and won a head collar for most worthy W&T rider. We also made it down to the final five in the Working Hunter Supreme Championships so I was thrilled. It was a great day and can’t wait until next year. I’d like to say a big thank you to all organizers and Topshots for taking the photos.
After losing her confidence over the last 18 months and only just starting to compete in horse shows again Jayne Roberts was keen to support this charity event. She tells CHN: “I entered my horse, Miss by a Whisker, in the 2ft3 Working Hunter class and to our shock we won!” We also entered the Novice Dressage and the Ridden Part-Bred and we were 5th in both. Our win got us through to our first ever ridden championship together, and to our surprise we were Reserve Champions; I was over the moon, not only to do so well but my horse behaved impeccably and also it did my confidence the world of good. Next year I hope to do the larger Working Hunter classes and also sponsor a class.”
There was a win in the Ridden Veteran class for Gemma Harris on the 27 year old gelding, Harry Hotshot. Says Gemma, “I am yard manager at SSC Rodbaston campus. Harry has represented GB on numerous occasions for the European pony eventing team. He won individual gold in 1998 and now he enjoys life with me at Rodbaston. He still loves his work and enjoys a good gallop. He’s especially good at being groomed by students with learning difficulties.”
Welsh section A gelding Crumpwell Henman is proving to be a great asset to the Shakespeare family from Kingswinford. With ten year old Rhea, he won the First Ridden class, and then with eight year old Reise on board he won the Best Lead Rein, M&M and Lead Rein Equitation classes. Reise had only been riding for two months at the time of the show, so what a great start for this young jockey.
Worcestershire young rider Alexandra Blackwell and Pickmere Lady Arwen are a new combination this season, and won their Best Turned Out class as well as the Junior Rider, Part Bred class and the Junior In hand class. The pair went on to become Reserve Supreme Champions of the show.
To purchase photos from this event, visit the official Show Photographer’s websiter: www.tshots.co.uk
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