Suffolk punch foal born at Easton Farm Park

The birth of a Suffolk punch colt at a farm near Wickham Market is seen as “important” for the future of the breed as their numbers remain critical.

Cross posted from BBC News

Easton William, known as Billy, was born at Easton Farm Park.

Owner Fiona Siddall said: “It was a tricky birth as he was upside down but we’re really pleased with him now.”

Figures from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust 2012 watchlist report there are less than 300 Suffolk punch breeding adult females in the UK.

Ms Siddall said: “Billy’s mother was in labour for most of the night and when the vet arrived we realised it was going to be tricky. Billy was upside down and his head was the wrong way up.

Suffolk Punch foal, Billy. — He’s a week old, very lively and inquisitive, says owner Fiona Siddall of Billy, a Suffolk Punch foaled at her farm.

“Trying to turn a 12 stone foal is never going to be easy but then mum laid down and managed to get him the right way up so the vet was able to assist the birth.

“He’s a week old, very lively and inquisitive. Really strong, so we’re extremely pleased with him.”

The Suffolk punch is the oldest breed of heavy horse in Britain and dates back to the 16th Century.

Ms Siddall, from the farm in Easton, added: “They were once a familiar site in the countryside but with the arrival of the tractor, so came their slaughter.