Foy-based Jill and Roger Parckar, are celebrating the successful birth of a filly foal following a groundbreaking embryonic transplant – thought to be a world first for the Suffolk Punch breed. Faith was born just five weeks ago to her non Suffolk mum. In a neighbouring field, her genetic Suffolk mother, Opal, is also nursing her new filly foal – one mare, two foals. This is the end of a ten year dream for the Parckar's that began after seeing a Suffolk horse, among other rare breeds, at the Monmouth Show. They fell in love and decided to start their modest breeding programme.

Many among us of a certain age will remember the impact of Louise Brown's birth way back in 1978, the world's first test-tube baby. In the rare breeds world, however, the arrival of Faith to her non-Suffolk mum, is equally groundbreaking.

"Embryo transplant is relatively common in sporting horses," explained Jill, "but has never been done before in a rare breed such as the Suffolk Punch." They are delighted with the result. From humble beginnings, their Suffolk breeding programme, with its burgeoning brood, is going some way to halt the decline in Suffolk numbers.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.