AN equine charity is set to welcome a new addition later this year, after discovering that a mare rescued before Christmas is pregnant. 

A Welsh moorland mare, called Nia, was rescued just before Christmas by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, a charity based in Newton Abbot, Devon.

Nia, along with her foal Netty, were part of a herd of 69 semi-feral Welsh Moorlands taken from Merthyr Common in a joint operation involving several animal welfare organisations. 

When they were rescued, the charity invited supporters to choose their names - and so Netty and Nia were chosen. 

Recent tests have now confirmed that Nia is now likely to foal in the late summer or early autumn. 

Sally Burton, head of sanctuary care, said: "You might think a charity called 'The Mare and Foal Sanctuary' would be the place to find lots of foals, but the birth of one here is quite a big deal for us. We have a strict non-breeding policy to reduce the number of unwanted horses, so all colts, when trained and ready for treatment, are castrated at the sanctuary.

"Rescued foals sometimes arrive needing our specialist care. But only if a mare is in foal before being brought here will births happen at the sanctuary, and that’s what has happened in this case. Nia ran unrestricted on the Welsh commons, gave birth to Netty, and we estimate she became pregnant again shortly after the birth.

"The good news is that Nia is getting the very best care now at our peaceful Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Assessment Centre in Newton Abbot. We have a well-rehearsed 'foal-watch' procedure where a team of carers will monitor her carefully to make sure she has everything she needs for a healthy and successful pregnancy and delivery."

Kayleigh Bull, home care team member, has handler-responsibility for Nia. 

"We’re all trying to estimate when it’ll happen, and September seems to be the popular choice," she added. 

"Equines are pregnant for about 11 months, so we think Nia gave birth to Netty and was covered very soon after.

"As a team we’re making sure that Nia is getting regular vet checks and all the nutrients and vitamins she needs for a healthy pregnancy. When she’s ready to give birth, we’ll monitor her around-the-clock and have staff on-site overnight watching our field webcams for any birthing signs because nearly all equine deliveries happen at night. Being outdoors is the most natural environment for ponies, so the field she knows best is where Nia will feel most comfortable and stress-free giving birth.

"If everything goes smoothly and Nia is comfortable, we hope to catch it all live on webcam and give our supporters the chance to see the whole event as it happens. We want everyone to feel part of this special journey for Nia and understand a little more about equine care. I just hope it’ll be me on shift that night because I’ve never been present for a birth before and would hate to miss Nia’s!"