Horse Trust ponies Star and Rocky to attend Blenheim Horse Trials 2013
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were discovered living in appalling conditions, where 34 horses were already dead
Popular Horse Trust residents Rocky and Spindles Farm
survivor Star will be the stars of the show in the Attractions Arena on
Sunday 15th September at Blenheim Horse Trials. Fresh from their stay at
highly respected heavy horseman Robert Sampson’s yard, Star and Rocky
will be showing off their new skills in an amazing driving
demonstration.
With their trainer Jane, Star and Rocky will demonstrate all of the
basic skills involved in driving. Last year at Blenheim Horse Trials,
Star and Jane demonstrated the skills that Star had learnt so far in his
training. Since then, Star’s training has progressed so that he can now
pull a trap. He was joined in his training by Rocky, who arrived at The
Horse Trust in 2010 aged just 2 days old. Star and Rocky were lucky
enough to be trained by heavy horseman Robert Sampson who usually
specialises in working with Percheron Horses – Star and Rocky are tiny
in comparison to these amazing creatures, but no less of a challenge we
are sure!
Star came to The Horse Trust
in January 2008 after he was rescued from the horrific conditions at
Spindles Farm, Amersham. Over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were
discovered living in appalling conditions, where 34 horses were already
dead. Star arrived at The Horse Trust with 13 of the sickest horses,
ponies and donkeys rescued. Star was extremely underweight and suffering
from a variety of health problems. His bones were jutting out of his
skinny body and he struggled to walk up a 2 inch step unaided. This
gorgeous 14hh pony made a remarkable recovery thanks to the love and
care he received at The Horse Trust. Cheeky chap Rocky arrived at The
Horse Trust when he was just 2 days old with his mother Rose, and has
turned into a beautiful 13.2hh pony.
It is incredible to think how far Star has come since his arrival at The
Horse Trust in 2008 aged just 8 months old. He is now a friendly and
lovable pony who loves meeting visitors during opening hours and enjoys
working with Jane. Star also helps when The Horse Trust provides
training for Police Officers as he is so well behaved. Duke was another
horse rescued from Spindles Farm who has also had a very happy ending.
Jane has been working with Duke and since he was backed for riding last
year he has made so much progress. He recently took part in his first
ever dressage test and was awarded first place! Against all the odds
these two remarkable horses have done so well and have long and happy
lives ahead of them.
You can watch Star and Rocky in the attractions arena at Blenheim Horse Trials on Sunday 15th September at 10am and 1pm.
The Horse Trust relies on donations from the general public to help care
for horses like Star, Rocky and Duke. To find out how you can support
The Horse Trust visit www.horsetrust.org.uk or call 01494 488464.
-Ends-
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Rocky and Jane
Rocky with Robert Sampson and Jane
Star did a driving demonstration at Blenheim in 2012
Star with Robert Sampson and Jane
Notes for Editors
1. The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the
UK. Based at Speen, Buckinghamshire, it provides a place of retreat for
working horses that have served their country or community and nurtures
them throughout their final years. The charity also gives sanctuary to
horses, ponies and donkeys that have suffered and need special
treatment. The Horse Trust funds non-invasive research that advances
knowledge of equine diseases, improving diagnosis and treatment and
reducing suffering among equines worldwide. The charity also offers
training for professionals and owners, with a focus on equine welfare
and quality of life assessment.
2. The Horse Trust depends on the support of the public to look after
retired working horses. It costs the charity an average of £12 per day
to look after each horse at the sanctuary, which includes the costs of
grooms, forage, farriery and veterinary care. The Horse Trust spends
£50,000 per year on medication and vets fees for horses just like Teddy.
To donate to www.horsetrust.org.uk,, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 or info@horsetrust.org.uk.
For further information please contact:
The Horse Trust
Catherine Napper
T 01494 540024
M: 07900 905199
E: catherine@horsetrust.org.uk
W www.horsetrust.org.uk
PR Agency
Insight Group Marketing
Mark Robson
T: 0845 643 6181
M: 07785 395 499
E: tht@insightgroup.co.uk
W: www.insightgroup.co.uk