The Mare and Foal Sanctuary captured the live birth of its newest resident thanks to a webcam overlooking the field where the foal was born.Nia, a Welsh moorland pony who was rescued from Merthyr Common last year, gave birth naturally and without the need for human assistance to a chestnut colt at the Sanctuary in Newton Abbott at the end of August.In the footage you can see Nia walk to the centre of the field, lie down and give birth quickly. The birth was also witnessed by Chandrani, a grey Dartmoor mare, who was sharing the field and who soon trots over and greets the new arrival.Nia just didnt show the usual signs we would expect before foaling so none of us thought it would happen as quickly. We always believed it was going to be a September birth, said Nias assigned handler, Kayleigh Bull.It is very exciting, but anyone who works with newborn foals will always be concerned that theyre latching well and are as healthy as can be.Nia seems to be doing well and I hope the little foal will become strong and healthy, continued Kayleigh.Its definitely a real team effort, and we couldnt wait to share the news and pictures with our supporters.Sanctuary for lifeThe foals dam was one of 69 equines rescued from South WalesThe colt is not Nias first foal. She was moved together with her filly foal Netty and 67 other horses from Merthyr Common in South Wales.It was a large-scale rescue operation run by multiple welfare organisations in late 2023.The little foal is chestnut with a white flash down his face, just like his older sister Netty, who our supporters helped us to name just before Christmas.Weve all fallen in love with him already. He, his sister Netty and their dam Nia, have sanctuary for life with us and in coming years we will carefully assess their needs to see where they might live a happy and fulfilled life, said Dawn Vincent, director of fundraising and communications.The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is based in Newton Abbott, Devon. Despite its name, it is extremely rare for births to take place at the Sanctuary due to a strict non-breeding policy.Related contentMan who worked in-foal mare to exhaustion banned from ownershipMonth-old foal rescued after she was found alone next to deceased damHoof care advice, including why a newborn foals hooves are so fascinatingHow to take care of a horseThe post Live birth of new foal is captured on charitys webcam footage appeared first on Your Horse.