Horse sanctuary sees baby boom during lockdown

Seven beautiful foals have been born at a Norfolk horse charity since the UK-wide lockdown was imposed.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary has welcomed new arrivals Lira, Rupee, Peseta, Ruble, Wonga, Warhol and Whirl at its Piggots site in Tasburgh and at its HQ in Hapton.

Chief executive Lynn Cutress said: “It’s not unusual with large groups of rescued mares to discover that some are in foal, but to welcome seven new arrivals in just a matter of weeks is quite a baby boom.

“It’s always a wonderful feeling to be able to give rescued ponies that tranquil space in which to bring their babies safely into the world, so our adorable new residents have certainly put a big smile on all of our faces.”

Due to the foals’ mothers being semi-feral when they came to the sanctuary, the charity’s behaviour team are already working with the new-borns to ensure they grow up feeling comfortable with human contact, hopefully paving the way for them to be rehomed through Redwings’ guardianship scheme.

The charity, which relies completely on donations from the public, cares for 1,500 rescued horses and donkeys.