Desperately searching for the perfect first pony? The Blue Cross is looking to re-home six lead-rein ponies from their welfare centre at Burford, Oxfordshire.
The ponies, which range in size from 10hh-12.2hh, have been broken and trained by Blue Cross staff. They are all accustomed to children and have proved to be ideal as first ponies. As most of them have been backed fairly recently, they need experienced and capable homes to be able to bring them on.
“We’ve had many of these adorable ponies since they were youngsters, so they’ve had a great start and have the potential to make wonderful lead rein ponies, both for small children learning to ride and first ridden outings too,” said Kate Gloyn, deputy centre manager at the Burford Blue Cross centre.
Some of the ponies will be suitable for showing, like previous success story Blue Cross Twyford Mallow. The Welsh Section A lead-rein pony who has been with the Berry family for two years, competed at Royal Windsor Horse Show last year.
“Mallow is so safe and reliable and seems to be able to turn her hoof to just about everything. The girls have learnt so much from her, we feel so privileged and lucky to have her,” said mother Nikki Berry.
The ponies will be re-homed on a monitored loan basis to people living within 55 miles of the Burford welfare centre.
Blue Cross staff will make a site inspection to ensure potential homes and owners have the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for their ponies. They will also make sure new owners get to know their chosen pony before taking it on. Once re-homed, staff will make twice-yearly visits to check the pony is happy in its new home.
If you are interested in taking on one of the ponies described below, contact the Blue Cross on 01993 822454 or go to www.bluecross.org.uk/horses
Blue Cross Kerry
Kerry is an adorable 11hh, 10-year-old, dark bay, native mare. She has been well handled and lightly backed a bit later in life, but she’s is a quick learner and will make a lovely child’s riding pony.
Blue Cross Ellie
Ellie is a cheeky 10hh, 4-year-old skewbald mare with bags of character. She has recently been backed but has not completed much ridden work due to her size so she needs an experienced family who can bring her on.
Blue Cross Georgie
Georgie is a pretty 11hh, 4-year-old dapple grey mare who will make a super riding or lead-rein pony. She has been lunged, long-reined and has recently been backed so is looking for a home to continue her training.
Blue Cross Freyni
Freyni is a very sweet 10.2hh, 10-year-old native bay mare. Previously a companion pony, she has been professionally started at The Blue Cross and is ready to go to an experienced home to further her training.
Blue Cross Happy
Happy is a kind and loving 12.1hh, 18-year-old native, coloured gelding. He is looking for a quieter life as a lead rein or first ridden pony where he can receive the TLC that he deserves.
Blue Cross Coco
Coco is a smart 12.2hh, 4-year-old Welsh mare who arrived at The Blue Cross as a youngster. She has since been well handled and backed and is showing great potential to be a smart riding pony.
All of these ponies are good to handle and with the vet and farrier, and will happily live out all year with mares or geldings.
