Samantha Ivy Barton is recognized for her inspiring work with a former racehorse
Pembrokeshire: A woman named Samantha Ivy Barton, who faced homelessness last year, is now in the spotlight for a big award. She’s been recognized for her amazing work with a former racehorse named Up For An Oscar, or Ozzy for short, at Redberth Croft CIC.
They’ve made it to the finals for the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust Retraining of Racehorses Community Impact Award. It’s a pretty big deal! Samantha, who was homeless just a year ago, has found a new purpose in her life through her bond with Ozzy, who’s turned into a calm and reliable horse.
She’s using that connection to inspire and mentor young folks in her community. Samantha, who manages the farm at Redberth Croft, expressed her disbelief at being shortlisted. She said, “I can’t even fathom that I got picked.” It’s clear this means a lot to her.
She added, “I never thought I’d get this far to ride a bigger horse, let alone be shortlisted for an RoR Award.” It’s all about proving that anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter their past. That’s the spirit of Redberth Croft CIC.
Ozzy, the former racehorse, had a racing career with four wins out of 25 races. Now, he’s helping newcomers build confidence and learn horsemanship skills. He’s a key part of Redberth Croft’s mission to provide therapeutic experiences for those who’ve faced tough times.
The RoR charity started this award last year to highlight how former racehorses can positively impact people’s lives and communities. Redberth Croft CIC, founded in 2019 by Daisy Coleman, supports veterans and vulnerable groups in Pembrokeshire and West Wales.
They’re all about improving mental and physical health through nature-based activities, and it’s run by a team of dedicated volunteers. Samantha and Ozzy are up against some tough competition, including Louise Robson and Forth Bridge from Buckinghamshire, and Grace Muir of HEROS Charity from Oxfordshire.
The public can vote until 5 PM on January 10. If you want to check out all the finalists and vote, head over to the Retraining of Racehorses website. The winner will be revealed at the RoR Awards at Cheltenham Racecourse on January 25, 2025.
