The latest foals to be born at Writtle College will be the star attractions of the Lordships Stud Open Day.
The fun-filled day, this Sunday 14 April, will feature demonstrations and interactive activities as well as the chance to meet the four new additions.
This season, four foals have been born, with another four expected. Lordships Dimension, also known as Darcy, gave birth to Revel – a colt foal by the stallion Rubicell, a son of the world famous Rubinstein I, on 1 March. Then Handley Barns Daphne, known as Daphne, gave birth to Apple, a filly foal by the stallion Wolkenderry, on 29 March. Lordships Lollipop (Maddie), gave birth to Poppet – a filly foal by the stallion Primitive Proposal, on 31 March. Finally, just this week, Cornish Queen (Geri) gave birth to a filly foal by the show jumping sire Parco, on 9 April.
Amy Mills, Lecturer in Equine Science at Writtle College, said: “It's a really exciting time. We are really thrilled with the foals and keen to show them off to the general public at the Lordships Stud Open Day.
“The students choose the theme for the naming of the foals – last year it was Greek gods and goddesses, this time it is chocolate bars. They have to use the first letter of the stallion's name, hence the names Revel and Poppet. Apple is a livery horse so has been named by her owner.”
Darcy is one of the stars of the Stud - in September, she achieved a head studbook mare score in a grading event hosted by the College in association with Sport Horse Breeding Great Britain. This is the highest accolade she could receive in such an event and earned a voucher for covering with an approved stallion.
Maddie, another College-bred mare, also achieved a head studbook score.
The College is expecting another four foals this Spring:
• Graces Gold (Gracie) is in foal to Wish Upon a Star.
• Portia is in foal to Lauriston.
• Peggy KL (Peggy) is in foal to FS Mr Right.
• Hattie is in foal to Wolkenderry.
The Stud Open Day, which is being organised by first year BSc (Hons) Equine Studies students as part of their event management module, will include activities, demonstrations with stallions and youngstock and is fun for all the family! You can also find out more about the equine courses on offer at the College.
Admission, in aid of The Horse Rescue Fund, is Adults: £2.50; Children under 12: Free. Opening times 11am to 3pm. Address: Lordships Stud, Back Road, Writtle, Essex, CM1 3PD. Please note that no dogs are allowed and please wear sensible shoes.
More information at www.writtle.ac.uk