Equine

Blue Cross helps family find home for Todd

vetreportFebruary 18, 2016

When Todd’s elderly, unwell owners began to struggle to give their much-loved cob the care he needed Blue Cross stepped in to help out. Through the charity’s innovative Home Direct Scheme they matched him with a perfect new home, giving him a safe future and giving his new owner Anna Causer, who lives in Wolverhampton, a great big smile!

Todd, a kind natured and handsome cob gelding has the normal zest for life of any six-year-old horse. His owners had backed him and taught him the basics under saddle but when their health deteriorated they began to struggle to give him the care and attention he needed. Distraught at the thought of selling him they contacted Blue Cross for help and advice. He was an ideal candidate for the charity’s Home Direct scheme, which provides help for suitable horses that are privately owned.

Emily Lambert, Blue Cross Home Direct Homing Assistant, explains: “With the on-going horse crisis, charities have been less able to help privately owned horses because their rescue centres are full of welfare cases. Our Home Direct simply allows us to rehome a privately owned horse into a Blue Cross home whilst it is still in the care of its current owner.”

While Blue Cross still carries out all the usual assessments for both horse and potential new home, the scheme means they don’t have to admit the horse to one of their centres, which keeps much-needed space free for welfare cases. Known within the horse charity sector for its success with rehoming, Blue Cross has recently joined forces with RSPCA to trial rehoming horses from RSPCA centres through the Blue Cross Home Direct scheme.

Todd is in horse paradise according to his new owner, 21-year-old Anna: “I fell in love with Todd’s cheeky nature and good looks as soon as I saw him. He was very hairy when he arrived so we gave him a big makeover and he now looks more handsome than ever! I ride him most days and he’s really coming on well. Thank you Blue Cross!”

Most horses can be considered for Home Direct unless they are on long-term medication. Blue Cross initially assesses all horses and then a full health check from a vet is required before home-finding begins. Appointments for potential new homes are conducted in the presence of a member of the Blue Cross horse team to make sure a suitable match is made.

The Blue Cross

To find out more about how you can give a Blue Cross horse or pony a home or make a donation to Blue Cross please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.