A foal born to a new breeding programme to protect Shire horses for new generations is back on his feet despite a rocky start.
Robinsons Brewery recently announced the arrival of their sixth foal, Hillgate Frederic, but earlier this month he was diagnosed with fractured pelvis after being rushed to Leahurst Equine Hospital.
Frederic is now back home and on box rest with his dam, Dolly, and is receiving painkillers. He is able to stand unaided and is making positive progress.
“Freddie is definitely feeling better in himself, he’s a very nosy foal and loves the attention from his carers,” a Robinsons Shire Horses spokesman said on Facebook. “Dolly is a superb mum and is more than happy to allow us all to come into the stable and ‘babysit’.
“I am so very grateful to the Robinson’s family for giving Freddie a fighting chance. He still has a very long road ahead of him but so far so good.”
Hillgate Frederic was born at 12:50am on 30 March. His dam is 14-year-old Dolly, and his sire is Daresbrook Sir Alfred (pictured bottom), owned by J. Worthington of Alderley Edge.
The birth follows the family brewers’ announcement in 2018 of their Shire Breeding Programme, with the gentle giants having served Robinsons for over 100 years.
“Robinsons was built on the backbone of the Shire horse 184 years ago, which has continued to be an important part of our family business,” Helen Preece, Head Horseperson at Robinsons, said upon announcing Frederic’s arrival. “When we started the programme, we confirmed to have our own registered prefix, ‘Hillgate’, with the Shire Horse Society, which all future foals will inherit. Hillgate Frederic is a wonderful new edition to our family.”
To stay updated, follow Robinsons Shire Horses on Facebook here. For more information on Robinsons’ Shires, visit their website here.
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