Farm closure threat to Suffolk Punch
19 February 2001
Farm closure threat to Suffolk Punch
By FWi staff
THE future of a rare draught horse is uncertain after it emerged that one of its last breeding farms may close, reports The Independent.
There are only 237 pure-bred Suffolk punches in existence and 22 live at a farm run by inmates from Hollesley Bay Prison in Suffolk.
It is expected that the 1,750- acre prison farm, which has been breeding Punches since 1938, will be deemed surplus to requirements in a review.
First bred in the 16th century to drag cargo over the Suffolk clay, the Punch was used in the First World War to haul guns and medical wagons.
Council officials in Suffolk are considering if there is potential for expansion and development into a visitor attraction.
- Horse conference, FWi, 01 September 2000
- How equine inspirations give paintings with punch, FWi, 10 October 1997
- The Independent 19 February 2001 page 10
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