Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park near Verwood has celebrated the safe arrival of a beautiful Suffolk Punch filly – the first of the critically endangered breed to be delivered this year in the UK.

Born to resident mare Lilly-Rose last Friday, the filly was initially tube fed as it was uncertain if she was latching, but is now confirmed to be feeding well.

She’s also managed to find her feet over the past week and is growing in strength “day by day”.

“The little filly hasn’t yet been named,” said farm park manager Taya Street.

“Our visitors are a huge part of her story, and so we’re currently welcoming name suggestions.”

The oldest and rarest breed of heavy horse, the Suffolk Punch remains at critical risk of extinction despite a rise in breeding programmes in recent years.

There are now 500 of the breed registered in the UK.

“We wish to promote not only a new generation of rare breed horses but a new generation of people,” Taya added.

“The younger generation will be actively involved in the journey and upbringing of this young filly.

“It’s vitally important that numbers of the Suffolk Punch Breed continue to rise, but alongside this, so must the involvement of people.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to meet her from 5 April when the farm park reopens for the season.”

• dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk