Blue Cross horse receives top-level dressage training to find new home

A talented dressage horse is receiving dressage training in a bid to help him find a suitable new loan home.

The horse, Blue Cross Ryan, and his riding groom, Annalisa Burge, are being trained as part of the Dressage Under-21s UK squad.

Dressage Under 21s UK is a popular unaffiliated dressage club for young riders. Organiser Carol Hogg has selected the pair to participate in the Cotswold’s prestigious team training programme.

The Blue Cross hopes this training will help Ryan find a loan home where his potential as a competition horse can be fulfilled.

The seven-year-old Irish sports horse was taken in by the Blue Cross a year ago after his owner was no longer able to take care of him. He needed six months box-rest when he first arrived at the Burford centre due to a flexor tendon injury — and vets were unsure as to whether he would be ridden again.

But with close veterinary supervision, Ryan has been slowly bought back into work. His groom, Annalisa, has been developing the gelding’s flatwork and has taken him to some local dressage competitions as part of his rehabilitation programme.

Carol Hogg said: “Blue Cross Ryan is a super ambassador for the excellent work that is carried out by the Blue Cross. He generates plenty of attention when he is out and about on the show circuit as he is a good looking and big moving young horse with so much potential.

“It is lovely to be able to help the charity by providing some additional training for Ryan and Annalisa this year. By joining regular dressage Under 21s UK squad training sessions, Annalisa can continue to build on Ryan’s experience, which will help to secure him a good home when he is ready.”

The Dressage Under 21s UK squad trains at the Unicorn Equestrian Trust at Stow on the Wold.

For more information on the Blue Cross see www.bluecross.org.uk

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