Charity one day event is a winner
| Charity one day event is a winner The Blue Cross equine welfare centre at Burford in Oxfordshire marked the end of an exciting show season in style last month by holding its first ever one day event. Over 40 competitors helped the charity to raise around £1,200 on the day, which will go towards caring for the needy horses and ponies in the charity's care. |  |
A one day event allows competitors to enjoy riding in dressage, show jumping and cross country all in the same day. The marks achieved in each discipline are then combined to create a total score. Using some fabulous cross country fences generously loaned by Polyjumps, the centre ran classes to suit all abilities, including a restricted 2ft 3" class for younger riders, an inviting 2ft 6" class and an open class at 2ft 9 for more experienced competitors.
Kate Gloyn, Blue Cross deputy centre manager at Burford said: "The intention was to encourage riders to come and have a go in a fun and friendly atmosphere, even if they had never completed a one day event before. With all proceeds going to support our work at the centre, we were thrilled with the number of entries we received and we had the added bonus of perfect autumn weather on the day. Given the success we definitely plan to run the same again next year."
Laura Pittard, aged 13, was thrilled to win the 2ft 3" restricted class on her pony Scramble Bramble. She said: "This was our first-ever one day event and we had a lovely day. The competition was very well organised and there were lots of friendly helpers to point competitors in the right direction if we got in a muddle. I still can't believe we won!"
The Blue Cross Burford centre has raised an incredible £8,500 from holding shows and events this year, including their popular annual horse show and a series of evening competitions throughout the summer. The Blue Cross Rolleston centre in Staffordshire has also had a busy season of events, raising almost £7,000. Highlights as always were the Blue Cross Shetland ponies Misty and Star who were one of the many attractions at the centre's annual open day during the summer, which drew over 2,000 visitors.
The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so it relies on the support of the public to continue its vital work. Proceeds from the centre's shows and events help with the retraining and rehoming of horses and ponies in the charity's care. Many of these events would not be possible without the support of the charity's wonderful volunteers. If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer or would like more information on the charity's events during 2010 please contact the Burford centre on 01993 822454 email burfordequine@bluecross.org.uk or the Rolleston centre on 0845 260 5505, email rolleston@bluecross.org.uk
Added on: 14/10/09.
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