Top event rider Mary King is helping national pet charity Blue Cross to tackle horse welfare with a new education resource.

Mary, who signed up to become the first ever Blue Cross Equine Ambassador last year, stars in a new video showcasing the charity’s dedication to help improve the current horse welfare crisis. You can watch the video here.

The Blue Cross education programme is focussed on responsible pet ownership and aims to inspire children and young people to learn more about how to take on and care for pets appropriately.

Each year the charity’s education team reaches around 100,000 people throughout the UK using a network of education officers and volunteer speakers.

“In terms of horses, the biggest issue is the sheer number of them needing our help,” said Gemma Taylor, education officer at Blue Cross.

“Too many horses and not enough homes mean that UK charities are being swamped with abandoned, unwanted and neglected horses and ponies,” she continued.

“We are thrilled to have teamed up with Mary King to help encourage people to understand and engage with the problem to help prevent it from escalating.”

With Mary’s support, Blue Cross highlights the grave and growing welfare implications of the horse crisis. Volunteer education speakers, supported by videos featuring Mary King, will spread the word about the five welfare needs of horses for physical and mental wellbeing and the need to breed responsibly.