Next week (17 February) is Chinese New Year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse, and as we enter this fresh chapter, the Blue Cross has highlighted some of its equine residents who are hoping to find new homes for 2026.
Five-year-old Thoroughbred Nala (pictured above) is based at the charity’s rehoming centre in Burford, Oxfordshire, and is among those hoping for a new start as a non-ridden companion.
“She thrives on routine, reassurance, and positive human interaction,” said Lauren Bush, Adoptions Coordinator at Blue Cross in Burford. “Currently living happily in a small mare herd, Nala could potentially be introduced to geldings with a careful and sensible approach.
“She is adaptable in her routine, content living out or part-stabled, and enjoys fuss and attention from people she knows and trusts.
“Good to catch and responsive to groundwork, Nala would benefit from continued in-hand work and confidence-building to keep her young mind active and engaged.”
Meanwhile one-year-old filly Katie is currently standing at approximately 14.1hh and is ready to move into a long-term project home.
“Sweet-natured and full of potential, Katie will thrive with an experienced and patient adopter who understands young horse development,” said Lauren. “She benefits from a consistent routine and regular handling, and currently lives happily in a mixed herd of youngsters. Katie has also begun part-stabling for short periods, which she has taken in her stride.
“While a conformation defect means Katie’s future is best suited to a hacking or leisure home, she is expected to enjoy a fulfilling and active life in this role. With thoughtful guidance, time to mature, and correct management, Katie has every opportunity to grow into a rewarding and loyal partner.
“Nala and Katie would each thrive in homes that value patience, consistency, and compassion. Those able to offer either mare a safe, knowledgeable, and loving environment are encouraged to get in touch as we’d love to see these horses kicking off the Year of the Horse in new, loving homes.”
At the charity’s rehoming centre in Rolleston, Staffordshire, Autumn, Peanut and Fred are also looking for new homes.
Twenty-one-year-old mare Autumn has been waiting over two years to find her forever home. She is seeking to join a family as a non-ridden companion.
“Autumn loves attention and is an absolute pleasure to handle, including catching, leading, and grooming, and she’s extremely well-mannered for the vet and farrier,” said Mia Lincoln-Shenton, Adoptions Coordinator Blue Cross at Rolleston.
“She’s an absolute sweetheart and would suit a home where she can enjoy her retirement with her horsey best friends. She is happy living out 24/7 or being part-stabled, and she settles well in the company of both mares and geldings.”
Also looking for a new home as a as a non-ridden companion is three-year-old Peanut, who is a young cob that currently stands at approximately 12hh.
“Lovely and playful Peanut would suit a home where he could live out 24/7,” she said. “He would benefit from doing some in hand exercises due to being a weak baby cob, giving you the chance to bond and create a lasting relationship with him.”
Fred, a spirited 26-six-year-old, is also looking for a home as a non-ridden companion.
“Fred may be in his older years, but he doesn’t act his age and is still a big kid at heart,” said Mia. “He would be a great babysitter for a big herd; he mixes well in the herd and loves looking after the younger ponies in the field. He does get attached to his field friends so will always need equine company.”
“We want to find all our horses the prefect home and family. Those interested in offering a loving environment are encouraged to get in touch as we’d love to see these horses kicking off the Year of the Horse in new, loving homes.”
To find out more about the horses and ponies, visit bluecross.org.uk
