Tributes have poured in for a “striking” and “beautiful” Suffolk Punch mare who delighted visitors to the trust for more than a decade.
Colony Olive the Second, mother to four-month-old foal Dotty, died late last week after suffering a bout of colic.
Sharing the news with visitors, stud manager Tracey Pettitt said everyone at the trust has been left devastated by her sudden death.
Tributes to the 15-year-old mare and messages of condolence have poured in ever since.
Speaking shortly after Olive died, Ms Pettitt said: “Today we lost one of the most amazing mares, Colony Olive II to a terrible colic. Most of you will know that she was such a delight and loved her babies dearly.
“There really was something very special about her and a firm favourite with our visitors. “She left behind her beautiful foal, Dotty, her last special gift to us who we will treasure.
She added: “Needless to say we are all devastated and my apologies for delivering such sad news. Thank you Olive, it’s been a pleasure.”
Little Dotty is now being looked after by another mare named Calypso, but Ms Pettitt admitted the transition will be hard for her.
She added: “Olive has been the most fantastic mother to all of the foals she has had. She was overprotective of her children and was more than happy to take in others. One of the reasons why Olive was so adored by visitors is that she was striking – she had a beautiful blonde mane and tail.
“A lot of people were able to recognise her and pick her out because of those striking features.
She added: “On top of that she just about shone with the most amazing temperament. She was calm and quiet and always happy to be cuddled by anyone.
“She was just a sweetie. Olive was born and bred at the trust so Suffolk has always been her home.
“Dotty is only four months old but she is getting on brilliantly with Calypso who is now looking after her.
“It is a tough situation but Cally has a similar temperament to Olive which has helped Dotty through the transition.”
The news comes a few months after two foals died within a few days of each other at the Hollesley-based trust in June.
Kelsale May had a leak in her heart while two-year-old gelding Colony Bluey died from injuries suffered following an accident in the field.
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