I still think of myself as a racehorse, though the memory of those wins on the flat and over jumps is a bit dim now.  They call me Sprout here.  I am proud of my stable name, perhaps because it is an unusual name for a horse, but no one seems to know when or why I acquired this moniker; my proper name is Second  Paige, after my Mum, who was named My First Paige.

After recovering from the injury, which brought my racing career to an end, I forged a new role for myself, bringing on aspiring young jockeys at the British Racing School.  It was great fun having these youngsters around, until disaster struck: I was found to have an enlarged heart, which meant my insurance was withdrawn, turning me from asset to liability.

My friends rallied around and sought a safe new home for me, but with no dowry to support me, this was a real problem, until these wonderful people Graham and Sue rescued me and took me in at Stilemans.  My former owner kindly then came up with the Sanctuary's amazingly modest dowry of £600.  But with the so many horses for them to look after, I feel so guilty about not coming with the industry standard dowry of £1,500, that I am hoping to reach the difference as a target in donations this Christmas, towards the Sanctuary's Xmas Fundraising Campaign.  

My heart is monitored every two weeks, but has shown no alarming fluctuations; in fact I feel as fit as fiddle!  I have been allowed to join my new friends in the lads' paddock, and I have made special friends with Corker, who has the stable next to me. We grumble a bit about Olly, but that is probably because he was the one chosen to be the poster boy for the Sanctuary Xmas Competiton!

Please help if you can, it does not matter if you can only afford a little, it all adds up.  Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Alternatively you can donate by texting SCPG77 £5 to 70070 (or £1, £2, £3, £4 or £10).