Pregnant horse adopted by country park (From Watford Observer)

Pregnant horse, Fennel, adopted by Aldenham Country Park, Radlett

5:00pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Anna Slater

A heavily pregnant horse has been adopted into an Aldenham country park after she had nowhere safe to give birth.

After Fennel's owners frantically made calls to farms across the county to find someone to house her before she went into labour, managers at Aldenham Country Park in Dagger Lane, Radlett, took their pregnant pet in.

Three weeks since moving into her new home, the brown-haired horse has grown in confidence and her due date has been moved forward to sometime this week.

Fennel's owner said: "Fennel is usually kept in stables but after the downpour of rain, she was left knee-deep in mud and looked miserable.

"There was no way she could give birth there. I had to act fast given the time of year and was feeling very desperate.

"I am so grateful to Aldenham Country Park for taking her in."

The horse is described as being "fantastic with children" and has a calm and gentle temperament.

Park owners are now giving people the chance to name the new foal and are asking for people to submit suggestions.

Oliver Behzadi, park spokesman, said: "When we heard the horse needed a home we were more than happy to help out.

"She gets gifts and treats delivered to the park office constantly. We are now looking forward to her having her foal."

What do you think the foal should be called? Post your ideas below or visit the Aldenham Country Park Facebook page.