Help name the rescued Icelandic foal with bright blue eyes melting hearts in Devon

A foal rescued during a major welfare operation in Devon earlier this year is now looking for a name, and a local horse charity is asking the public to help.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, based near Newton Abbot, has launched a naming appeal for one of the young Icelandic foals it took in following a 15-month joint rescue mission with World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA.

The large-scale operation, first reported by The Moorlander earlier this month, safeguarded more than 70 Icelandic horses and foals across several sites in Devon. 

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Welfare officers had found semi-feral herds living in poor conditions, the result of uncontrolled breeding, and with the owner’s cooperation, the animals were signed over in stages and moved to safety.

The Sanctuary has since given lifelong homes to 13 of the rescued horses and foals, and one of them, a four-month-old colt with striking blue eyes, is now the focus of the naming campaign.

Pippa Quelch, PR and Campaigns Manager at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, said: “This colt came to us with his dam Mavis and another Icelandic mare and foal. They were completely unhandled on arrival, so we gave them space to explore and settle. The colts soon kept our team entertained, doing ‘zoomies’ around the paddock and playing with their toys, although a giant teddy bear came off worse for it.”

She added that the foal was shy at first but is becoming more confident: “He’s relaxed and loves to be groomed and scratched. He’s a very handsome young colt with bright blue eyes and unusual markings. We’d love people to suggest names that suit his character.”

ABOVE: The foal is one of 13 who have found permanent homes at the sanctuary (Credit: Mare and Foal Sanctaury)

Members of the public can enter their name ideas through the charity’s website at mareandfoal.org/name-our-icelandic-foal, and the winning name will be announced on 30 October.

Icelandic horses are a rare breed in the UK, with only around 1,000 registered nationwide. 

Known for their strength and thick coats, they are hardy animals well suited to harsh weather.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary cares for around 600 horses and ponies across its sites in Newton Abbot, Totnes, Yelverton and Holsworthy, and the charity says it hopes the public will continue to follow the progress of the Icelandic herd.