A HORSE trainer is celebrating the arrival of an unexpected Christmas present.
Debbie Hutchinson, of Cropton, near Kirkbymoorside, was surprised to discover her pony, Jane, was due to give birth in the middle of winter.
Experts say this is almost unheard of.
The 25-year-old, who runs a livery farm, took Jane in March when her previous owner died.
She said: "When the summer months had gone and she hadn't foaled, I started breaking her in.
"When we finally realised, we kept checking on her every two hours, but she gave birth by herself, with no problems in the middle of the night.
"She's been a really good mum, so it's not taken a great deal of looking after."
The foal arrived just days before Christmas.
Vets from the Rainbow Equine Clinic, in Old Malton, said the winter delivery was rare in their experience.
l Debbie Hutchinson, of Hen Flatts Farm, with her mare, Jane, and the new foal
Picture: GARRY ATKINSO
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