About 800 visitors supported the Brownbread Horse Rescue Open day last September. Throughout the day displays in the main arena included the horse whisperer, (equine behaviourist) Sue Gardner performing with her charming Arab mare, “Dream” with the audience seemingly spellbound. The gentle handling of Dream by Sue was contrasted by the active performance of the re-enactors, “Swords of Albion” with Spike Medland heading his performers in the battle antics of the Saracens and Crusaders. The many activities for children including bouncy castle and pony rides, run by Hilary and Heather and, for the first time, a giant inflatable slide that was very popular with the children. Roy and Jackie King ran an archery range with many youngsters managing to pop the balloons. The variety of stalls selling items were dominated by many cars selling tack from the boot and this aspect is likely to feature as a significant draw in the future. It was great to see friends and supporters, some going back 30 years and they came from as far as Essex, Kent, Surrey, London and W Sussex. Michelle, who lives locally, won the raffle first prize of £50 and the name-the-doll competition, was won by Mrs Wiggett. Congratulations and a big “thank you” to Michelle who generously donated her £50 prize back to the Centre. A record £3,500 was raised on the day and head of Welfare, Dinty, said that without the strong support of all our helpers this sum could never have been achieved so we are very grateful for their tremendous efforts. The next Open Day is on 18th May and bookings for stalls are available now.