A young Icelandic foal rescued during a major 15-month welfare operation in Devon is now looking for a name, with the Mare and Foal Sanctuary near Newton Abbot inviting the public to help. The rescue, conducted jointly with World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA, saved over 70 Icelandic horses and foals living in poor conditions due to uncontrolled breeding. The Sanctuary has since provided lifelong homes to 13 of these horses, including the four-month-old colt with striking blue eyes who is the focus of the naming campaign.

The foal, initially shy but now more confident and playful, arrived unhandled along with his dam and another mare and foal. The public can submit name suggestions via the charity’s website, with the winning name to be announced on October 30. Icelandic horses are a rare and hardy breed in the UK, and the Sanctuary, which cares for around 600 horses and ponies, hopes people will continue to follow the progress of this rescued herd.