Redwings welcomes two sets of rare breeds

Redwings has welcomed not just one but two sets of rare breed equines to its rescue centres.

Poor condition

A pair of Suffolk Punches have been taken in by one of its centres in Norfolk, while two French Poitou donkeys and their foals have found a home at Redwings Oxhill in Warwickshire.

Suffolk Punch geldings Wilf and Stanley were rescued from a tiny barn in Norfolk. Their feet were in very poor condition and Wilf was suffering from severe sweet itch and had lost most of his mane.

The two seven-year-olds have been together since birth and their owner agreed to sign them both over to the charity.

Stunning chaps

“We are just so glad these horses will be able to get all the proper care they need and that they are able to move about freely at last,” said Redwings field officer Julie Harding.

“We feel so privileged to have two such stunning chaps in our care and we hope they will soon be able to go to one of our visitor centres so our supporters can see these magnificent and historic creatures close up.”

The Suffolk Punch is the oldest breed of heavy horse in Great Britain. They are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watchlist as there are less than 300 registered breeding females.

Shaggy coat

Poitou donkeys Millie and Adel – and their babies Arya and Merlin – came to the charity’s rescue centre in Banbury when their owner, a Redwings welfare volunteer, was no longer able to look after them.

Millie is a full registered Poitou donkey, and has the breed’s traditional long, shaggy coat. Adel, who was previously rescued from the meat trade in Italy, is part-bred.

Millie gave birth to Adel in July, while Adel had Merlin in May.

Absolute delight

Poitous are a rare breed from France, with only around 400 left in the world. They faced extinction in the 1970s, but a programme to save the breed has seen the population slowly increase.

“What an absolute delight these four are,” said Redwings Oxhill farm manager Helen Glen. “They arrived late on Friday but we all stayed to welcome them and it’s safe to say we haven’t done any work since! They are very friendly, very sweet donkeys and we know our visitors are going to absolutely love them.”