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At the grand old age of 40 Winston, a Welsh X, 13.2hh chestnut is the oldest horse or pony currently insured by specialist UK equine insurance provider, Petplan Equine.

Winston originally came to Oxfordshire-based Alyson Bateman on permanent loan from animal charity, Blue Cross as a spritely, safe and sound 21 year old first pony for her two daughters Courtney, three and Emma six now 21 and 24 respectively.

Alyson knows little of Winston’s previous life other than he was clearly well schooled and is reputed to have been a Prince Phillip Cup pony prior to arriving at Blue Cross for rehoming.

“He taught the girls to ride and they loved him to pieces spending many happy hours hacking and jumping at home and taking him to shows” says Alyson. “He inspired a lifelong love of horses in both of my daughters; Courtney at 21 still rides.”

Today, although Winston enjoys a slightly more sedate life, he has certainly not retired completely which may account in part for his love of life. “Winston also provides valuable input into the life of my disabled, four year old grand daughter Layla and her two year old brother Jason. He laps up all the brushing, feeding and attention and is still very happy to be ridden by them even accepting Layla sitting on him with her casts and completely un-phased by her wheelchair – he is very kind with the children.”

At 40 bringing pleasure to children is not his only job - Winston is also a super confidence giver to young horses. “Just last weekend Winston went out on the lead with a young horse” explained Alyson. So is giving him a job the secret to his longevity? “It probably has a lot to do with it as well as applying a bit of common sense and good management” answers Alyson matter-of-factly. “He’s dropped a bit more condition this winter than we would have liked, but if he comes back well in the spring then we will get him out to a couple of little shows as he really likes to get out and about, which is one of the reasons we have insurance with Petplan Equine” she explained. “It provides peace of mind and of course third-party liability cover should we have an accident.”

With well-worn teeth, Cushings disease and a bout of laminitis two years ago, Winston has to be carefully managed although Alyson insists he is no trouble. “He prefers to live out but over the winter months, particularly this year while it has been so wet, Winston is stabled each night. We feed him soaked Speedibeet, soft oat chaff, Readigrass, barley rings and special veteran supplement and he is wormed strategically to avoid any unnecessary upset to his gut” she explains. Never shod, Alyson says he has fantastic feet that she has trimmed regularly. “I take my responsibility as an owner of an old horse very seriously. He is still charging around and content to be handled and ridden but as soon as he is no longer sound and happy, he will let us know” believes Alyson.

For now, nineteen years on from their first meeting, Winston, who was not gelded until the age of seven, has maintained his place as the Alfa male head of the herd, one for the ladies and a vocal contributor to life on the yard. Described as opinionated and sometimes grumpy with adults but always kind and gentle with children, he certainly sounds like he is making the most of his active twilight years as he has everyone wrapped around one of those well-trimmed hooves.

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For more information please contact:

Name	Telephone	Email
Charlotte Collyer	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988.
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK.
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover.
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK.
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK.
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust.
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge.
• Redwings Horse Sanctuary is the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, caring for over 1200 rescued horses at its nine sites around the country, with 500 more living in happy Guardian homes across East Anglia. The charity is entirely funded by public donation. Find out more at www.redwings.co.uk.