A rare Suffolk Punch foal arrived unexpectedly at Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, marking a vital moment for this endangered breed.
Blood tests did confirm her pregnancy, and now the young filly is here. She is feeding well and bonding with Lilly-Rose. She needed help to stand up at first, but she now grows stronger.
The foal is yet to be named, and the farm park welcomes name suggestions. Manager Taya Street said that visitors are a big part of her story.
The Suffolk Punch is a very rare horse, with only 500 in the UK. It is the oldest heavy horse breed, and they are working to help it survive.
The foal can help the breed’s future by providing a new bloodline, which enables future breeding. The park wants young people involved in the journey.
It is important to raise horse numbers and involve people. The future of these horses depends on young people, and visitors can meet her when the park reopens April 5.