The Horse Trust wishes Rocky luck in his new home

The Horse Trust’s Rocky has been settling in to his new home this week with local lady Jo Huggard.

Rocky arrived at The Horse Trust with his mother Rose when he was two days old. At the time, nobody could have imagined the beautiful pony that this skinny and wonky foal would eventually grow into. Rocky teamed up with his best friend Squiggy at The Horse Trust and the two are famous for always getting into mischief! Rocky is now three years old and has grown up into a patient and calm pony, perfectly suited to his new life with Jo.

Rocky has been backed for driving and will become a companion and driving pony for Jo, who was left paralysed from the waist down after a serious riding accident thirteen years ago. Jo, who is 65, used to drive horses before her accident and is a very experienced horsewoman. She is looking forward to a new life with Rocky and it was clear from the moment they met that they were made for each other.

Last week Rocky, and Spindles Farm survivor Star, took part in two demonstrations at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Those who braved the rain were treated to a truly wonderful display where Rocky and Star showed off all of the skills they have learnt in their driving training. It was Rocky’s first show and this amazing pony wasn’t phased in the slightest. Rocky drives Jo’s specially designed carriage which holds her wheelchair. Jo uses a hoist attached to her trailer to enable her to be picked up and manoeuvred into the carriage. Rocky is very patient and stands still until Jo is ready to go. At the end of the demonstration Jane officially handed Jo Rocky’s reins and at the end of the day Jo took Rocky to his new home with her.

The Horse Trust's rehoming scheme primarily operates in the local area to our Home of Rest. As with all potential loan homes, Rocky’s new home was visited and assessed and the charity will visit Jo and Rocky regularly to ensure Rocky is receiving the appropriate care and both parties are still happy with the agreement. The Horse Trust predominantly retires working horses and ponies who remain at our Home of Rest but occasionally there are opportunities to loan horses such as Rocky.

The Horse Trust often retires horses and ponies that have worked for charities that help improve the lives of disabled people. Jo hopes that in the future Rocky will become a Driving for the Disabled pony as his temperament is perfect for this type of work. Rocky and Jo are a true inspiration and The Horse Trust is delighted for them both. Although Rocky will be missed by everyone at The Horse Trust, especially by his groom Jess, we know that he will be very happy in his new home where he will continue driving and developing all his new skills.

Jo said ‘Rocky is an absolute joy and will definitely change my life for the better. He has settled in really well and is an absolute darling. When Jane handed me Rocky’s reins at Blenheim I was quite emotional which isn’t like me at all! I am really looking forward to the future with Rocky’.

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Photography:
Jane hands Jo Rocky's reins at Blenheim Horse Trials
Rocky with Robert Sampson and Jane

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

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 retirement for working horses. These hard-working equine public servants have served their country or community in the police, military or charities such as the Riding for the Disabled Association. 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. To donate to The Horse Trust, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 or info@horsetrust.org.uk

3. The charity has recently undergone extensive repair and renovation work to build new and updated facilities to provide the best possible care for their retired or rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. The Horse Trust is open to the public Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 2 – 4pm. Entry is £5 per car or £3 per care for OAPs, disabled visitors and police or military personnel.

4. Due to limited resources, the charity primarily considers horses and homes close to the sanctuary. All horses and potential homes are visited to assess their suitability and the charity regularly visits the rehomed horse to ensure it is receiving an appropriate standard of care.