Rescue pony looks set to sparkle

Twinkle is bursting with enthusiasm, horsewoman Sally Bullar said

A pony that had to be rehabilitated at a rescue centre looks set to become a national carriage-driving champion.

Twinkle was rescued by the Blue Cross centre in Northiam, East Sussex, at two-years-old, when her elderly owner found it too difficult to care for her.

The pony was retrained and needed special handling before being rehomed with horsewoman Sally Bullar in 1997.

Despite health setbacks, Twinkle, now 10, has helped win driving trials and has qualified for a national contest.

She really is my little star Sally Bullar, horsewoman

The pair will be heading to the Osbourne Refrigerators British Driving Society National Championships at Burghley Horse trials.

Miss Bullar said: "To think that four years ago Twinkle's future hung in the balance.

"Now she is at peak fitness and bursting with enthusiasm for life.

"She attracts attention wherever she goes as not only are her markings very eye-catching but her powerful paces and perfect manners are pretty outstanding too.

"She really is my little star."

'Fingers crossed'

Twinkle suffered setbacks and intermittent lameness after she was rehomed.

She also developed a condition on her head that prevented her from wearing a bridle.

A broken arm then stopped Miss Bullar from riding.

But since entering competitions they have started notching up wins in trials and private driving classes.

Liz Grant, manager of the Blue Cross centre at Northiam, said "We are all so pleased that a pony like Twinkle that had such a bad start in life is now such a little star.

"We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for her at the championships next month."