The Mare and Foal Sanctuary captured the live birth of its newest resident thanks to a webcam overlooking the field where the foal was born.
Nia, a Welsh moorland pony who was rescued from Merthyr Common last year, gave birth naturally and without the need for human assistance to a chestnut colt at the Sanctuary in Newton Abbott at the end of August.
In the footage you can see Nia walk to the centre of the field, lie down and give birth quickly. The birth was also witnessed by Chandrani, a grey Dartmoor mare, who was sharing the field and who soon trots over and greets the new arrival.
“Nia just didn’t show the usual signs we would expect before foaling so none of us thought it would happen as quickly. We always believed it was going to be a September birth,” said Nia’s assigned handler, Kayleigh Bull.
“It is very exciting, but anyone who works with newborn foals will always be concerned that they’re latching well and are as healthy as can be.
“Nia seems to be doing well and I hope the little foal will become strong and healthy,” continued Kayleigh.
“It’s definitely a real team effort, and we couldn’t wait to share the news and pictures with our supporters.”
Sanctuary for life
The foal’s dam was one of 69 equines rescued from South Wales
The colt is not Nia’s first foal. She was moved together with her filly foal Netty and 67 other horses from Merthyr Common in South Wales.
It was a large-scale rescue operation run by multiple welfare organisations in late 2023.
“The little foal is chestnut with a white flash down his face, just like his older sister Netty, who our supporters helped us to name just before Christmas.
“We’ve all fallen in love with him already. He, his sister Netty and their dam Nia, have sanctuary for life with us and in coming years we will carefully assess their needs to see where they might live a happy and fulfilled life,” said Dawn Vincent, director of fundraising and communications.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is based in Newton Abbott, Devon. Despite its name, it is extremely rare for births to take place at the Sanctuary due to a strict non-breeding policy.
