Two rehomed horses competing at Olympia

Two rehomed horses are competing at this year’s London International Horse Show at Olympia.

Celebrity rider

Yogi and Saphire will be taking part in the Santa vs Scrooge Celebrity Scurry Stakes on Friday’s evening performance (19 December).

The ponies will be driven by their rehomers with a celebrity rider assisting as groom for each one.

When Yogi came to World Horse Welfare’s in 2006 he was very nervous of humans but with experienced handling he has matured into a well-mannered pony with lots of potential.

Yogi was broken to drive in harness more than five years ago and since then has had great success competing at national level with his rehomer. He is now also being driving in tandem.

Intensive treatment

Saphire arrived at the charity’s Hall Farm rescue and rehoming centre three years ago. She needed intensive physiotherapy to build up her strength but thanks to the dedicated team there she is now progressing well in her training and loves driving.

As well as their two special guest appearances World Horse Welfare will be attending Olympia as it has been chosen as the charity of the year for 2015.

‘Spectacle to remember’

Show director Simon Brooks-Ward said they are “delighted” to be supporting them.

“The charity plays a vital role in not only safeguarding vulnerable horses ponies and donkeys but also in campaigning to help create lasting change” he said.

“World Horse Welfare has the largest rehoming scheme of its kind in the UK and I am very much looking forward to seeing some of their success stories in Olympia’s Grand Hall this December – I’m sure it will be a spectacle to remember!”

The London International Horse Show Olympia runs 15 – 21 December at the Olympia Exhibition Halls in Hammersmith. For tickets and information visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.