Blue Cross is celebrating the arrival of its first foal to be born on site since 2019. The healthy filly has been named Little Alpine and surprised the team at the charity’s rehoming centre in Burford by appearing sooner than expected yesterday afternoon (Sunday 15 September).

The foal’s dam, Strawberry, was taken in by Blue Cross in November 2023 from the RSPCA.

“We had our suspicions Strawberry was in foal and we and the vet were monitoring her, but we weren’t sure on when she was due,” said Jessica Hall, adoptions preparation lead at Blue Cross.

“It was a very special experience for the staff that were present while she foaled as in the past foals have been born in the middle of the night, or in one of our foster homes.

“Strawberry has been on a wonderful journey during her time with us here at Burford, from being completely unhandled when she first arrived in our care, to now being a fantastic mother and letting the team handle both her and her beautiful tiny foal when necessary.”

Muppet the Shetland

The team named the filly foal Alpine after the small type of strawberry.

A Shetland pony called Muppet is also providing nanny services to Strawberry and Alpine.

“We think Muppet is going to provide good social interaction for Strawberry and Alpine, and will help Strawberry to feel safe having others around to look out for potential threats, as they would do in wild herds,” added Jess.

“Over the coming weeks we will be looking to introduce younger, more playful horses into the herd for Alpine to have play mates as she matures.”

The mare and foal will remain in the care of Blue Cross before being listed for rehoming when they are ready to find a new home.

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