The first foal of 2020 has been born at one of the South West’s largest equine welfare charities and captured on film. The arrival of Lotte’s foal comes at a time when The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, based in Newton Abbot, has already made significant work adjustments during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Lotte was rescued as the result of an RSPCA prosecution case.  Her colt, named Lio, was born on on Thursday and mother and son are doing well. The charity has released footage of Lio’s birth and first steps on its website for the public to enjoy.

The pair join 220 resident horses and ponies who require the charity’s expert care at six sanctuaries across Devon.

Over half of the charity’s workforce are either working from home (13%) or have been furloughed (43%) since the Coronavirus crisis began as there has been a significant reduction in income.

This just leaves small teams of grooms going in each day to provide this expert care, working in split shifts so they don’t come into contact with each other. This is in order to protect the NHS, and the health of staff and their families.

At a time where new life is beginning at the Sanctuary for Lio, the charity has launched a special appeal, reflecting on the work that must continue during this crisis.

Sarah Jane Williamson, chief executive, said: ‘We are a strong team, but the future is uncertain, and we need help from our loyal supporters at this worrying time.

‘We are thankful Lotte has given birth to her foal in the safety of our sanctuary. She was in a very poor condition when she arrived and has needed our expert care.

‘Last year we rescued more horses than ever, in more complex circumstances. We don’t have extensive reserves and horses are costly animals to care for, especially ours which require specialist handling and retraining or ongoing veterinary medicines and care.’

Other ways that The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has had to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic includes: temporarily closing all six of its charity shops; staying in contact with the yard teams via weekly webinars; introducing virtual coffee mornings and yard tours for supporters to stay connected; and liaising with the carers of 446 sanctuary horses in loan homes via phone and email.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is calling on the public to support its cause.  Here are three ways you can help:

1/. Donate to the special appeal launched today – https://www.mareandfoal.org/support-during-covid/ or Follow the charity’s official social media pages - Facebook.com/mareandfoal or Twitter.com/themareandfoal

Register your interest in rehoming a rescue horse or pony https://www.mareandfoal.org/rehoming-horses/