A BRUMBY foal was born on Save The Brumbies (STB) Open Day at the New England Brumby Sanctuary on Saturday 18 September, where the charity’s Bellingen-based founder Jan Carter welcomed visitors from far and wide.

“The highlight of the day was the early morning birth of a new foal and everyone gathered around to admire our pretty new little filly,” Jan told News Of The Area.

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“For the youngsters to have their first glimpse of a Brumby foal they certainly learnt about the need to protect and preserve our brumby heritage.”

Seizing the opportunity of involving everyone present on the day, Jan suggested a naming competition.

“Our ‘Name the new foal’ ticket drawn out was STB Breeze, very apt as the day, although fine and sunny, was extremely windy and volunteers were kept busy, chasing leaflets all over the place,” she said.

The purpose of the day was to show and tell what STB’s work involves and how people can participate.

For the youngsters there were pony rides, and a chance to feed the ponies carrots, brush and groom them.

While this was going on, Sanctuary Maintenance Manager Isaiah Grennan conducted tours of the Sanctuary around the 1500-acre property.

“Visitors were delighted to see mobs of our Brumbies grazing peacefully in the paddocks – until the ute got bogged.

“Visitors tramped back to where the action was, ready and hungry for a BBQ lunch.

“Chefs Jeffrey Carter and Murray Hicks did a great job of feeding everyone.”

A talk was then given about the aims and ideals of Save the Brumbies, the background and history of the tax-deductible charity and people were directed to the information table to take home various leaflets about STB’s work.

“Our VIP Sponsorship program helps us to care for injured and/or older horses not suitable for adoption and people are invited to choose their brumby and be involved.

“We care for every brumby that we rescue.”

STB’s expert resident horse handler, Lucy Hicks, gave a show in the training yards where she demonstrated the first touch and handling of a young colt.

This was particularly interesting as STB Solo only has one eye; he was born that way and his initial handling and acceptance of his halter was an important lesson for his future life.

For adoption, sponsorship and contact information visit www.savethebrumbies.org.

By Andrea FERRARI