MEMBERS of the public are being asked to name an Icelandic foal rescued in a joint welfare operation.

Newton Abbot-based charity The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is also hoping the campaign to help name the foal will also attract new supporters and raise awareness of its life-changing work with horses, ponies, people and nature.

In a major 15-month-long welfare operation revealed last week, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, and the RSPCA joined forces to safeguard 70 rare-breed Icelandic horses and foals at several sites in Devon.

Prompted by public concerns, the charities coordinated with the owner to achieve the best possible welfare outcomes for the equines.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has now given lifelong sanctuary to 13 of these horses and foals.

The charity says it’s looking forward to sharing all their stories in the coming months and hopes supporters will continue to follow their progress as the horses and foals are given the loving care and training they need to live long, safe, and happy lives.

To celebrate and raise awareness about these unique horses, the charity is inviting members of the public to help name one of the new foals and follow his progress.

Pippa Quelch, the Sanctuary’s PR and Campaigns Manager, said: ‘This beautiful colt is just four months old, and he is doing really well.

‘He came to us a few weeks after his birth in the summer, with his dam Mavis and another Icelandic mare and colt foal.

‘They were completely unhandled on arrival, and we gave them lots of space to explore and settle.

‘The colts kept our team entertained, doing “zoomies” around the paddock and enthusiastically playing with all their new toys.

‘This little foal was quite reserved around people at first, often sticking close to the other colt and hesitant to join in.

‘But his Sanctuary Care team says he’s now relaxed and confident and loves to be groomed and scratched.

'They feel it’s been a privilege to spend his first few months watching him grow and blossom.

‘They’ve fallen in love with his bright blue eyes and stunning markings - he’s a very handsome young colt. ‘We’d love to hear everyone’s suggestions so they can choose the perfect name.

‘The lucky winner may even get the chance to come and meet him in person.

‘As a charity, we’re dedicated to improving the lives of horses, foals and people, and protecting the environment to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

‘We simply can’t exist without public support, so we’re hoping people will join us on this young foal’s journey, learn more about these beautiful animals and help us to make a real difference.’

Icelandic horses are a unique breed, known for their strength, agility, and thick coat, making them perfectly suited for cold climates.

In the UK, Icelandic horses are quite rare, with around a thousand registered individuals.

Despite many being under 14.2 hands - what would typically be called ponies - there’s no Icelandic word for ‘pony’, so Icelandic adults are always referred to as ‘horses’.

An entry form is on the charity’s website: https://mareandfoal.org/name-our-icelandic-foal/ and the winning name will be announced in two weeks’ time on Thursday, October 30.