CAN you give a good home to either a Dartmoor foal or mare?

Kingston Maurward College hopes to see two Dartmoor mares adopted and the foals fostered, which are currently in the care of the campus.

The two foals – Maybelle and Nymph – were born on the Dorchester campus this summer as part of a scheme by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) to try and save the native breed from extinction.

The DPHT charity loaned the pregnant mares to the college as a safe place to have their foals, and it is hoped the youngsters will one day return to Dartmoor.

“Mums Lupin and Elfin are both 16 and need new homes where they can be companions for other horses or to keep an individual company,” said Barbara Holden, animal technician instructor at the college.

“For their babies we’re looking to temporarily place them with people with their own horses and some form of equine qualification.”

The foursome has proved a popular draw for visitors to the college’s animal farm.

“We shall miss them desperately,” said Barbara.

“It’s fantastic to watch the foals run around and play. Maybelle is the more bossy of the two and tries to eat Aunt Elfin’s food.

“Nymph is younger and is very playful. She’s a real mummy’s girl.”

The ponies will be ready to move at the end of October, early November.

“This is the first time we’ve seen Dartmoor ponies born at the college.

“We were very keen to support the work of the DPHT and help save the true native British pony.”