National charity Blue Cross is swinging open the gates of its horse units at Burford Oxfordshire and Rolleston, Staffordshire next weekend to give people the chance to meet horses and ponies who are looking for loving new homes.

The open afternoon will run from 12pm to 3.30pm on Saturday 22 September, and is open to all the family at the charity’s two rehoming centres.

The dedicated horse team will be on hand offering advice and answering any questions visitors have about rehoming a horse from Blue Cross and the charity’s services such as Home Direct.

At Burford visitors will be able to meet horses like stunning two-year-old white piebald cob Star and eight year old native companion ponies Olaf and Oleander.

13hh Star is looking for a new home in which he can be taught all the basic ground work and then start a ridden career when he is old enough, while 12.3hh Olaf and Oleander are companion ponies who are looking for a new home together where they will have lots of care and attention.

At Rolleston visitors can meet the gorgeous seven-year-old piebald cob Raven and the cute four-year-old chestnut native pony April.

Raven is a sweet mare looking for a home as a companion pony.  She will make an excellent friend for a ridden mare or gelding as she would be happy to be left alone for short periods. April has started the backing process and is progressing very well. She was placed at Equifest this year and should make a great lead rein or all round riding pony.

Home Direct sees horses rehomed by Blue Cross straight from their former home rather than having to come into our rehoming centre like Dennis.

Three year old Dennis is a Welsh pony based near Preston who Blue Cross is helping to find a new home through their Home Direct Scheme. He has a lovely nature and would make the perfect youngster project pony.

There is also a second hand tack shop on site which will be open on the day, selling rugs, saddles and equipment, with all money raised from sales going to help more animals at Blue Cross.

Vicki Alford, Horse Rehoming Manager at Blue Cross in Burford, said: “The team are looking forward to showing the public around our facilities here at Burford during the open afternoon and we are really hoping it will help to find loving new homes for our horses and ponies.”

To find out more about the work of Blue Cross, visit www.bluecross.org.uk