Can you give a much-needed home to a Rooster? Not of the bird variety but a sweet-natured chestnut red horse who faces being put to sleep if new owners for him can't be found.

Former racing pony Rooster has lived an idyllic life for the past 11 years at Seaswept Farm in Southampton, where he is looked after by the French family.

They agreed to take him in when owner Katie Cook decided to retire him from racing but the two little girls who have ridden him for the past decade are now overseas at college.

Ms Cook has nowhere to keep him herself so is appealing to horse loving families to consider giving him a home.

"Roo has had a lovely, caring family for 11 years," she told The Royal Gazette. "I believe that Roo could still have a great future teaching children the loveliness of ponies. Please have a heart and someone give this lovely pony a home."

Rooster came to Bermuda from the US about 15 years ago and was a regular participant in the races on Vesey Street.

He won "best trotter" at the annual Agricultural Show many times. His show name was JB's Easter Prize but he is known to those who love him as Rooster or Roo.

The horse, thought to be aged about 25, has a gentle, placid nature and is happy to be ridden by children. He was used for many years in riding lessons for youngsters and at children's parties.

Watch four-year-old Kiara Paiva go for a trot on Rooster in our video report at www.theroyalgazette.com.

Ms Cook, a British Horse Society intermediate instructor, said she would willingly teach riding skills and stable management to any family willing to take in Rooster.

Anyone who can offer him a home should call her on 536-6170 or 295-7477 or email katie.cook1@yahoo.com">katie.cook1@yahoo.com.