STAFF at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre are celebrating the New Year by welcoming a newborn foal to the family.
The latest addition to the centre caught experienced breeder and centre owner Alistair King by surprise when she arrived on Tuesday, January 15 – eight days early.
Alistair explained: “It is very unusual and quite rare that Shire horses give birth this early. Although I have been breeding Shires for over 35 years, this came as a bit of a shock, especially after the mother gave birth on the exact day last year.
“She was born without any complications, is standing strong, feeding well and in good general health. We are really happy at her arrival – nothing compares to the excitement of seeing the foal appear and stand for the first time.”
Staff have not yet named the filly and Alistair is hoping the centre’s visitors will come up with one.
“We name all our males after Scottish mountains and females after Scottish lochs,” said Alistair. “We like to encourage visitors to come along and see the foal and put forward their suggestions to be in with a chance of winning a great prize.”
