Charity captures heartwarming foal birth on webcam

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, known for rescuing and caring for equines, has released footage of the birth of a chestnut Welsh moorland colt. 

The mare, Nia, a rescued Welsh moorland pony, gave birth in a quiet pasture at the Sanctuary late last week without any human intervention.

The footage shows Nia calmly walking to the centre of the field on a sunny evening before lying down and giving birth. 

Her field companion, Chandrani, a grey Dartmoor mare, can be seen observing from a distance before approaching to nuzzle the newborn foal. 

The colt, who wobbled to his feet shortly after birth, began exploring his surroundings the following day, soaking up the late summer sunshine.

Sanctuary staff have been providing round-the-clock care for the foal, ensuring he adjusts well to his new environment. 

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, which typically employs a ‘foal watch’ procedure to monitor mares close to foaling, was fortunate to capture the birth live due to Nia’s early delivery. While mares usually foal at night to protect their young from predators, Nia’s colt was born just before 7pm with no initial complications.

Kayleigh Bull, Nia’s assigned handler, remarked on the surprise early birth: “Nia just didn’t show the usual signs we would expect before foaling so none of us thought it would happen as quickly. We always believed it was going to be a September birth. I found out the news when the night team arrived, and they popped a little picture in our communication group.

“It is very exciting, but anyone who works with newborn foals will always be concerned they’re latching well and are as healthy as can be. Nia seems to be doing well and I hope the little foal will become strong and healthy.”

Nia, along with her filly Netty, was rescued in a joint operation involving multiple animal welfare organizations last year. 

The pair, part of a herd of 69 semi-feral Welsh Moorlands from Merthyr Common, were brought to the Sanctuary for recovery. 

Nia’s pregnancy was confirmed earlier this summer, leading to the much-anticipated arrival of the colt.

Dawn Vincent, Director of Fundraising and Communications, highlighted the importance of community support: “We wouldn’t be able to rescue ponies like Nia and care for her beautiful new foal if we didn’t have such fantastic supporters who so kindly donate whatever they can afford. The cost of caring for horses and ponies has spiralled in recent years and we appreciate every penny pledged to us.”

The sanctuary plans to offer the foal, along with Nia and Netty, all the care they need.

Future assessments will determine whether they will continue at the Sanctuary or be integrated into Equine Assisted Services or Sanctuary at Home programs.

In the meantime, the foal will receive gentle handling and enjoy a natural upbringing with his mother.

As the foal grows, the sanctuary will seek public help in naming him, with hopes to launch a naming competition next week if the foal develops well.

The sanctuary will also offer updates available on their social media platforms and website. Despite the late birthing season, the colt will receive all the love and care needed to thrive through the autumn months.