Suffolk Punch Trust Latest News

AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:57:59 GMT

THE COLONY STUD IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Like many other charities and businesses having to respond to the harsh realities of the current economic climate, The Suffolk Punch Trust has decided to restructure its operations to focus on the future development of the Trust’s Colony Stud.

Suffolk Horses have been bred at The Colony Stud at Hollesley in Suffolk for over 265 years (since 1759), making us the longest established stud dedicated to the breed.

The Colony Stud has a long and enviable track record for breeding, training and showing quality Suffolk Horses, and in providing a range of livery services to other Suffolk Horse owners (as well as owners of other horse breeds).

Our forward-looking plans for The Colony Stud build upon its successful track record, albeit in a slightly slimmed-down form, to ensure its future economic sustainability.

As we embark on another busy season in 2026 (coverings are already underway, and the first foals are due to be born soon), we are optimistic that The Colony Stud will continue to go from strength to strength.

If you are a Suffolk Horse (or other breed) owner, and are interested in any of our Stud Services, please contact our:

Stud Manager, Tracey Pettit

( tracey.pettitt@suffolkpunchtrust.org , 07776 210238)

Head Groom, Lily Hammond

(lily.hammond@suffolkpunchtrust.org , 07494 092420)

As part of The Suffolk Punch Trust’s restructuring, we have closed the Visitor Centre, Café and Shop, but we intend to hold an Open Day at The Colony Stud later this year.

The Trust is also no longer offering horse adoptions. If you have any questions regarding previous adoptions, please do get in touch . Supporters can continue to help the work of the Trust by making a donation or by becoming a Friend of the Suffolk Punch Trust .

Further information will be announced in due course as the restructuring continues.

Please direct any enquiries about this announcement to:

Peter Ingram, Trustee/Director

( peter.ingram@suffolkpunchtrust.org , 07802 902448)

2026 Calendars and Christmas Cards Are Here!

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:33:29 GMT

Our Charity 2026 Calendars and 2025 Christmas cards are now available!

2026 Calendars: £5.00 per calendar + postage filled with beautiful shots of our horses.

Christmas Cards: Our Christmas cards are available too, pack of 10 cards containing 5 designs at just £4.90 + postage.

Huge thanks to JM Photography for the stunning images.

To Order: If you'd like to place your order for collection or post, please contact valerie.pettitt@suffolkpunchtrust.org or call 01394 411327

A New Foal is Born - Colony Lynch

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:25:34 GMT

Welcome Colony Lynch!

We are delighted to announce the birth of the last foal for this season. Thorpe Hall Julietta gave birth to a colt foal on 23rd September 2025, sired by Hercules of Halstead.

Our vet and Trustee, Ben Ryder-Davies, has named the colt Colony Lynch. Both Lettie and Lynch are doing well. Lettie has been a perfect first-time mum.

Colony Eli - Supreme Suffolk Champion 2025

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:54:59 GMT

Supreme Suffolk Champion for the second time!

The culmination of the 2025 Suffolk Horse showing season, the Suffolk Horse Spectacular, was held at Jimmy’s Farm, near Ipswich, on 30 ^th & 31 ^st August 2025.

We are delighted that Colony Eli 9186 (now 7 years old) was awarded the Champion Suffolk Stallion 2025 and the Supreme Suffolk Champion 2025 (for the second time – he also won these titles in 2023).

Colony Eli is now much in demand as part of our Breeding Programme for our own, and other Suffolk owners’, breeding mares.

A New Foal is Born - Colony Lumberjack

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:52:50 GMT

Welcome Colony Lumberjack!

Horkesley Park Hope gave birth to a colt foal, sired by Colony Eli, on 17 ^th June 2025. We have named the foal Colony Lumberjack, with a stable name of Jack.

Hope and Jack are doing very well. Jack is proving to be friendly and confident. He’s always the first to say hello, and will often stay by your side as long as he can. He has slotted right in with the other foals.

The breeding season is almost over, with only one more mare still to foal!

A New Foal is Born - Colony Lucy

Sat, 31 May 2025 12:50:40 GMT

With an uneasy start, we welcome Colony Lucy!

On 17 ^th May 2025, Colony Dororthy gave birth to a filly foal, Colony Lucy, sired by Shotleyfield Dazzling Duke. Both Dorothy and Lucy are now happy and healthy, and living in our herd of mares and foals. However, Lucy had a tricky start to life.

When Lucy was born her front legs were far from straight, she was walking on her fetlocks as opposed to her hooves. Dorothy and Lucy were on box rest for many weeks with restricted exercise. Lucy’s legs started to improve, however due to her lax tendons, her fetlocks did the opposite. Box rest was not enough to correct Lucy’s legs. Lucy had plastic shoes with heel supports fitted to help correct the issues. After a couple of weeks, Lucy was walking perfectly.

This was not the end of Lucy’s issues, as whilst we were correcting her legs, Lucy came down with colic. A quick trip to Rossdales Equine Hospital was needed. Luckily, Lucy recovered well and was soon home.

Today, Lucy is doing very well, and you could never tell that she has been through so much. She is just the sweetest little filly, and we are relieved that she’s doing so well.

A New Foal is Born - Colony Lainey

Fri, 23 May 2025 12:45:49 GMT

Welcome Colony Lainey!

On 9 ^th May 2025 at 12.15am, Colony Edith gave berth to a filly foal, sired by Whatton Ptarmigan, which we have called Colony Lainey.

Colony Edith is an excellent mother, and the pair are doing very well.

A New Foal is Born - Colony Leonard

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:41:39 GMT

Welcome Colony Leonard!

Colony Gigi 2 ^nd gave birth to our first foal of the season on 17 ^th March 2025, a colt foal sired by Newpole Maurice, named Colony Leonard (stable name Lenny).

Mare and foal are both doing well, and have been enjoying the summer sunshine.

A New Foal is Born - Colony Kamala

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:59:25 GMT

Welcome Colony Kamala!

Colony Kamala, foaled 03/07/2024, by Thorpe Hall Jolly Molly, sired by Newpole Maurice - a filly foal.

A New Foal is Born - Colony Kingsguard

Tue, 28 May 2024 13:55:26 GMT

Welcome Colony Kingsguard!

Colony Kingsguard, foaled 21/05/2024, by Thorpe Hall April Splendour, sired by Shotleyfield Dazzling Duke - a colt foal.

A New Foal is Born - Colony Kingsman

Thu, 23 May 2024 13:53:37 GMT

Welcome Colony Kingsman!

Colony Kingsman, foaled 09/05/2024 by Colony Dorothy, sired by Stockton Boxer, born as a colt foal.

Woodbridge Horse Show - Our first Horse Show of the 2024 season.

sonja.moon@suffolkpunchtrust.org — Tue, 07 May 2024 14:31:54 GMT

WOODBRIDGE SHOW - Tracey Pettitt [Stud Manager] with Colony Gremlin winning 'Best stallion 4 years and over', 'Best feet' and 'Champion stallion'.

Lily Hammond [Senior Stud Groom] won 2nd place in 'Best stallion 4 years and over' whilst Emily Windsor [Stud Groom] put on a wonderful ridden display on Wren.

Great Coastal Railway Journeys - Woodbridge to Southwold

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:50:24 GMT

Watch our episode on Tuesday 30th April at 6.30pm on BBC 2

Last summer Michael Portillo joined us at The Suffolk Punch Trust to have a look around and meet some of our wonderful Suffolk Punch horses. The episode covering Woodbridge to Southwold will be airing next Tuesday. We hope that you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.

The SUFFOLK PUNCH TROPHY 2024 -entries now open!

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:48:29 GMT

New venue - Halesworth Golf Club

The SUFFOLK PUNCH TROPHY is returning in 2024 but this year is at a new venue - HALESWORTH GOLF CLUB. If you are an elite golfer and interested in joining in then please either ring the golf club on 01986 875567 or email them on info@halesworthgc.co.uk

This event is kindly sponsored by local businesses: ALLGLASS, GAH REFRIGERATION, COMMERCIAL FINANCE BROKERS UK, MELTON VETINARY SURGERY, THE BURGESS GROUP, AMARINTH LTS PUMPING EQUIPMENT, RBA ACCOUNTANTS.

Congratulations and a massive THANK YOU

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:08:25 GMT

Well done to Mark Carvosso

This Sunday 21st April Mark ran and successfully completed the 26.2mile London marathon. Mark ran in aid of the Suffolk Punch Trust and we are incredibly appreciative of all of his fundraising efforts. Well done and THANK YOU from all of us at The Suffolk Punch Trust.

A great Easter at The Suffolk Punch Trust made especially memorable by an appearance from the Easter Bunny himself!

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:00:21 GMT

Open for the 2024 season and welcoming our visitors back

It is wonderful to be open to the public and this year we went straight into the Easter season. The Stud Farm have been busy with the Suffolk Sheep lambing and preparing for the arrival of our Suffolk Punch foals. Visitors have been exploring the farm along our Easter Trail and finding the bunnies in order to win an Easter prize. There is lots to look forward to in the 2024 season and we look forward to welcoming you.

Wonderful new little faces - Spring is definitely on its way!

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:06:26 GMT

Suffolk Punch ewe and lamb

We are very happy to welcome our new additions. We have the oldest recorded flock of Suffolk Sheep here at The Suffolk Punch Trust and it wonderful to see the spring lambs with their floppy black ears.

HRH Princess Anne unfortunately unable to visit us due to helicopter malfunction.

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 13:29:15 GMT

A beautiful parade of stallions

HRH Princess Anne last visited the Suffolk Punch Trust 13 years ago when she kindly opened our wonderful Visitor Centre. Today, the 17th February 2 024, the show went on despite the disappointment of the Princess Royal being unable to attend.

Our invited guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston and the Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk Mark Pendlington, enjoyed a parade of stallions. The parade included the Supreme Champion Suffolk Horse 2023 - Colony Eli, as well as Besthorpe Achilles, Colony Gremlin, Colony Illustrious and Colony Jedediah. The stallions and colts were led by the Stud Farm Manager -Tracey Pettitt, the Senior Stud Groom -Lily Hammond and Stud Grooms - Emily Windsor, Kirsty Andrews and Elleanah Howson.

The Suffolk Punch Trust Chairman Andrew Fane spoke at the event about the Princess Royal's passion for horses and how she had 'international recognition in the world of the horse,' while the charity had been looking forward to the opportunity to show her the five stallions in the parade. He said: "A Royal visitor is always a great privilege and will be a great privilege when we manage to secure her ability to attend."He also wished King Charles III a 'full and speedy recovery' following his recent cancer diagnosis.

"May I thank all of us for playing such a vital role in enabling this to happen. I must thank our trustees and staff for their herculean efforts today in preparing for the visit."

Lady Clare said: "Enormous thank you to everyone for coming together. Aren't we lucky to see the trust in all its glory on a beautiful Suffolk morning."

Finalists in the Best Small Visitor Attraction in the East of England

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 12:56:40 GMT

The three finalists: Bug Parc, Hasty's Adventure Park and The Suffolk Punch Trust

The visitor economy of the East of England is valued at more than £10 billion a year and the East of England Tourism awards highlights and celebrates the people, places, and partnerships that enable the sector in our region to grow and thrive - bringing together Leaders, Owners, Operators, and Suppliers for an evening of celebration, networking, discussion and debate.

This year we were finalists in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category and had two other tourist attractions to beat. We attended a fantastic awards ceremony held at Snape Maltings, Suffolk. We unfortunately didn't win this year but we were incredibly proud to be in the top 3 as this was our first time in applying.

The feedback from our Secret shopper family was wonderful to read [see below] and we have lots to work on this season so we can achieve the award in the near future.

We had a blissful day at Suffolk Punch Trust. The Suffolk Punch Trust is an unassuming business which does what it does to an exceptionally high standard. Food, talks, demonstrations, customer engagement and interaction are of the highest standard and delivered by staff (and volunteers) with a clear passion for the horses and the Trust. My children learnt a lot about the horses and the heritage of the site and we were delighted at the wide range of age-appropriate seasonal and regular activities on offer. There was a real 'wow' factor of being able to observe and interact with the horses in such a calm and tranquil setting.

https://youtu.be/t5NjVveXyc4

New Website for the Suffolk Punch Trust

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 10:38:14 GMT

New website for the Suffolk Punch Trust

The Suffolk Punch Trust has come so far in recent years, so we decided towards the end of last year it was time to get a website re-design!

We got in touch with a graphic designer, Michelle from MooksGoo, as we loved the look of her work (and we appreciate small businesses). She has worked with other animal charities, and knew she would be a great fit for the Suffolk Punch Trust. We hope you love it as much as us! We'd love to hear your feedback by sending us a message on the Contact Page here

Thank you to MooksGoo for our lovely new website. You can see her website here

Outstanding Success at the Suffolk Spectacular

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:13:27 GMT

We have a new Champion!

The Suffolk Spectacular, held in early September 2023, rounded up all the winning horses at the year’s shows in order to select the Supreme Champion. This year Colony Eli achieved this, with Colony Gremlin just behind him.

This is a fantastic accomplishment for the Trust and we are rightly delighted and proud. Both stallions are entirely home bred at Hollesley (hence the Colony prefix). There is no greater achievement for a breeding stud like ours, than to have a home bred Supreme Suffolk Champion.

Immense credit must go to Tracey, our Stud Farm Manager, who has planned and bred both these stallions and has overseen their development since the day they were born. Huge credit also goes to Lily and Emily, who prepared both stallions for the shows and then handled them so well in the rings.

Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers at The Suffolk Punch Trust who have worked so hard throughout the summer season.