A rare Suffolk Punch foal, who had to be fostered when her mother died (17 July), returned home to the Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley in Suffolk earlier this week.
When six-year-old Colony Tamzin died shortly after giving birth to the unnamed filly an urgent search was launched to find a foster mother.
Luckily The Newmarket Foster Mare Company was able to help and recommended thoroughbred ex-eventer Lilly.
Experienced foster mum Lilly, who has fostered five foals before, took to her task quickly and a close bond has formed.
Suffolk Punch Trust head groom Tracey Pettitt said: “It’s brilliant to see how Lilly has completely adopted the foal, who in turn is doing very well and is quite feisty!
“They are now outside in their paddock and are proving a big attraction to our visitors — possibly an even bigger draw than all the piglets which have recently been born here to our three large black sows.
“We’re so pleased as she is the third filly foal to have been born here so far this year.”
Her progress is excellent news for the breed as there are only 410 Suffolk Punch horses in existence.
To support the Suffolk Punch Trust visit www.suffolkpunchtrust.org or call 01394 411327.
For more information about The Newmarket Foster Mare Company visit www.newmarketfostermarecompany.co.uk
