A new beginning at Hall Farm as rescued mare Daisy welcomes foal, Pompey
Posted on 17/04/2024

Our first foal of the year at Hall Farm also marks the first born to one of five pregnant mares that were rescued from being smuggled out of the UK and believed to be heading to a European slaughterhouse.
The skewbald mare named Daisy gave birth to a healthy foal on Friday 12 April and the colt has been named Pompey after the British port of Portsmouth to highlight our ongoing efforts to stop the illicit movements of horses in and out of the UK.
“Pompey is a bundle of joy. It fills my heart to see them relaxed and happy here now, with a secure future ahead of them. Whilst they will remain in our ownership for the rest of their lives, our aim is for them to find loving new homes – although it will be months before Pompey is weaned. Such a different outcome and I can’t bear to think about what their future might have been.“
Holly Roe, Senior Groom
Six-year-old Daisy is one of the ‘Dover 26’ – a group of horses and ponies intercepted by port officials from being illegally smuggled into Europe and rescued by us. The mixed group, which included elderly animals, pregnant mares and frightened youngsters was discovered in an overcrowded and filthy vehicle, with many unfit for their intended journey and seven of the group undeclared to officials.
Whilst Daisy could be identified through her microchip and replacement passport, she wasn’t traceable and to date the only available record of her is that she, along with eight of the Dover 26 horses, was bought at an auction in the North-west of England just a week before being discovered at Dover. Despite this, Daisy and all the declared horses on board were travelling on EU documentation which stated their place of origin as the Republic of Ireland. We believe these horses had never set foot outside of Great Britain and by declaring them as an EU-to-EU movement and using GB as a land bridge, the illicit traders knew that they would undergo less stringent checks and could drive out of the green lane when they reached a European port.
Pompey’s poignant birth underscores the harsh realities faced by vulnerable animals caught in this illegal trade in horses. Transported for days without rest in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, these horses suffer from a lack of basic necessities such as food and water, endure rough handling, and are exposed to increased risks of disease and injury. It will be many months before both Daisy and her foal are ready to be rehomed, and Pompey alone will cost in the region of £5,000 a year to look after.
Topics
Related News

Large number of ponies pose challenge for rescue charities
A large herd of forty ponies has been taken in by rescue charities after the sudden death of their owner.

Try before you buy – a sobering tale of buying horses unseen
The pandemic has changed shopping habits for many, but the tale of Laddie and Angel shows that some things are best bought the old fashioned way.
Recommended Blog Posts

Post Olympic reflections on equestrian sport
We all have the power and the responsibility to move towards more ethical and evidence-based equestrianism.

Bringing horses back into work: how to restart youngsters, progress a horse’s rehab or get an all-rounder fit
Want to find out more about bringing horses back into work? Check out expert advice from Adam Cummins, Centre Manager at Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

A (nearly) century long commitment
Ending the long-distance transport of horses for slaughter.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now