Snetterton World Horse Welfare’s rescue centre announces birth of colt

The first foal from five pregnant mares, which were rescued from a smuggling ring, has been born.

World Horse Welfare’s Norfolk Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton announced the news this week, with the mare, named Daisy, having given birth on Friday.

The colt has been named Pompey after the British port of Portsmouth to highlight the charity’s ongoing efforts to stop the illicit movement of horses in and out of the UK.

“Pompey is a bundle of joy,” remarked Holly Roe, senior groom at Hall Farm.

“It fills my heart to see them relaxed and happy here now, with a secure future ahead of them.”

Six-year-old Daisy was one of a group of horses and ponies intercepted by port officials from being illegally smuggled into Europe and was rescued by World Horse Welfare. The animals were believed to be on their way to a slaughterhouse.

“While they will remain in our ownership for the rest of their lives, our aim is for them to find loving new homes, although it will be months before Pompey is weaned,” added Holly. “It is such a different outcome and I can’t bear to think about what their future might have been.”