It is six-month-old foal Solars first Christmas in our care. We are thankful that we can provide him with a lifelong, loving home.

His dam, Sandy, was heavily pregnant with nowhere else to turn. If we hadnt been able to step in and help, then Sandy may not have been able to foal in a safe environment. Their futures were uncertain.

Beautiful moorland mare, Sandy, was rescued when her owners lost their grazing at short notice. Sandy was heavily pregnant, so an emergency intervention took place to bring her to our veterinary and welfare centre, where the team specialise in the care of mares in foal and orphaned foals.Her foal, Solar, was born two weeks after she arrived at the Sanctuary.

That is why we are here.

A donation of just £10 this Christmas could help us safeguard the future for foals, horses and ponies in urgent need.

Sandy was heavily pregnant, so an emergency intervention took place to bring her to our veterinary and welfare centre, where the team specialise in the care of mares in foal and orphaned foals.

On Wednesday 16th June, Terri Saunders, our Honeysuckle and Beech Trees Sanctuary Manager, had a wonderful surprise when she arrived at Sandys paddock in the morning. Sandy had unexpectedly given birth to a healthy colt foal by herself in her paddock. Little Solar was already up and about and suckling well from his dam.

Reflecting back on the day, Terri said: He was a bright young foal and Sandy was an excellent mum from the start. She looked after him and made sure she was between us and him. They were both checked over by the vet and there were no concerns. Sandy was grazing and allowing her foal to suckle, her colostrum (first milk) was sufficient. Solar was alert and responsive.

Solar arrived earlier than expected and without any of the usual warning signs. This does happen from time to time, particularly in the wild where horses and ponies will move away from the main herd to give birth in a quiet place.

Solar's first Christmas

This Christmas, Solar and Sandy will be safe and loved, along with over 600 rescued horses and ponies who are now thriving from the lifelong life changing, loving care and support we can offer.

Solar is a bright and confident foal who loves to play out in the field. For each foal we rescue, we need to be here for them for the next 30 years.

That is why we are here. With your support, we can be here for a pregnant mare in urgent need. We can help young, orphaned or abandoned foals. Together we can make a difference to the lives of foals, horses and ponies in greatest need.

So please, if you can afford to, give a gift today to help foals, horses and ponies in urgent need. Your support enables us to continue providing lifelong care to foals like Solar.