A RESCUE horse entered in the Equifest 2012 event has been described as a 'complete star' after gaining significant wins in two classes.

Tee Jay, a skewbald horse who was taken in by the Horse and Ponies Protection Association, was entered in two special 'Rescue Story' categories, gaining 10th place in the 'In Hand' class, before exceeding all expectations by winning the third place rosette in the 'Ridden Class.' The event was part of the huge equestrian festival at the East of England Showground near Peterborough.

His rider, HAPPA groom Helen Mather, was understandably delighted.

She said: "Tee Jay was wonderful. He looked amazing and behaved like a perfect gentleman on the day. To achieve a win in both classes is like a dream come true and proves how successful HAPPA is in rehabilitating their animals and giving them positive opportunities for a happy and healthy life."

Tee Jay was an unwanted foal when he and his mother were rescued, and he has now enjoyed many happy years on loan to a HAPPA borrower since being taken in, broken and schooled by HAPPA. He now lives at Gregory Farm Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Brockweir.

Centre manager Emily Nash said: "Although Tee Jay's story is perhaps less dramatic than some of the horses that HAPPA have rescued over the years, he has matured into such a gentleman and was a complete star on the day. He has spent his entire life pleasing his riders and being gentle with his carers and I am delighted he has achieved public recognition for being a thoroughly nice and willing horse."

Donations and sponsorship helped send Tee Jay to Equifest, ands HAPPA were particularly pleased with the help they received from Mullen Wilson Ltd., Ian Archer (farrier), Wye Valley Country Store, Equi Bibs, MG Electrical, Usk Vets and Amanda Berry.