The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has invited the public to name an adorable Icelandic foal in its care. The charity hopes the campaign will attract new supporters and raise awareness of its lifesaving work, including a recent multi-charity project to protect this special breed of horse.
In a 15-month operation, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, and the RSPCA joined forces to safeguard 70 Icelandic horses and foals at several sites in Devon. Prompted by public concerns, the charities coordinated with the owner of the horses to achieve the best possible outcomes for the equines.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, based in the South West, has taken in 13 of these horses and foals and will provide them with a lifelong home. The charity is now inviting members of the public to help name one of the new foals.
“This beautiful colt is just four months old, and he is doing really well,” said Pippa Quelch, the Sanctuary’s PR and Campaigns Manager. “He came to us a few weeks after his birth in the summer, with his dam Mavis and another Icelandic mare and colt foal.
“They were completely unhandled on arrival, and we gave them lots of space to explore and settle. The colts kept our team entertained, doing ‘zoomies’ around the paddock and enthusiastically playing with all their new toys. Unfortunately, a giant teddy bear came off worse for the encounter!
“This little foal was quite reserved around people at first, often sticking close to the other colt and hesitant to join in. But his Sanctuary Care team says he’s now relaxed and confident and loves to be groomed and scratched. They feel it’s been a privilege to spend his first few months watching him grow and blossom.
“They’ve fallen in love with his bright blue eyes and stunning markings – he’s a very handsome young colt. At first, his team tentatively nicknamed him ‘Winky’ but we don’t think it quite suits him. We’d love to hear everyone’s suggestions so they can choose the perfect name. The lucky winner may even get the chance to come and meet him in person.”
Suggestions can be submitted to the charity here and the winning name will be announced on Thursday 30 October.
