Last year, the centre helped 60 horses through its foster yards.
Blue Cross in Rolleston is calling out for volunteer foster carers to help the charity to care for more horses.
The charity, which has a rehoming centre on Dovecliff Road in Burton, is looking for volunteers to provide temporary care for horses and ponies.
Last year, the centre helped 60 horses through its foster yards, and so far this year the team have already helped 27 through foster homes.
Nationally, the charity has seen the number of horses arriving at its rehoming centres increase by nearly 70 per cent. It’s also seen an increase in the number of dogs, cats and small animals coming into its care.
Susan Stephenson has been fostering horses and ponies for Blue Cross since November 2025 and is currently fostering Natalie.
Natalie came into Blue Cross care when her previous owner passed away. Following initial assessment at the centre, the team found Natalie would benefit from a quiet home environment to settle into, so she was placed into foster with Susan.
Susan says she loves fostering horses and ponies for the Blue Cross “because it is such a worthwhile cause”.
Horses have been my lifelong passion and knowing that I can contribute to the welfare of just a few horses in need is a huge reward in itself.
Maria Kavanagh, Centre Manager at Blue Cross Rolleston, adds:
Foster homes give horses the time and space they need to settle, build confidence, and prepare for their forever homes.
Every foster carer makes a real difference, helping Blue Cross support more horses in need.
Blue Cross provides training for all new fosterers and covers all costs, including supplying all necessary equipment and food. To find out more visit bluecross.org.uk/volunteer.