Joan joins the herd at Wimpole Estate's Home Farm
The team at the National Trust's Wimpole Estate are delighted to welcome a new addition to the heavy horse herd at Home Farm, a four-year-old Suffolk mare named Walton Pride Joan.
A Historic New Arrival
Joan, who arrived at Wimpole on 22 May, represents an exciting new chapter for the estate’s rare breed conservation work. While Wimpole has proudly maintained a tradition of working Shire horses for the past 25 years, the arrival of Joan marks the welcome return of Suffolk Punch horses to the estate, a breed historically used alongside Shires in Wimpole’s working past.
Suffolk horses, also known as the Suffolk Punch, are Britain’s oldest native heavy horse breed and are currently listed as critically endangered, with fewer than 500 remaining in the UK. Recognisable by their powerful build and distinctive chesnut colouring (always spelt without the "t"), these gentle giants were once a common sight in agricultural work, especially in East Anglia.
Joan’s Background and Future Role
Acquired from a private owner in Wisbech, Joan has already earned accolades in the show ring, including the title of “Best Suffolk in Show” at the Suffolk Horse Society Annual Show. Calm, well-mannered, and friendly, Joan has quickly settled into her new life at Wimpole Estate and struck up a fast friendship with resident Shire horse, Lady.
“We are so incredibly pleased to welcome Joan to Wimpole Home Farm,” said Emma Warner, Farm Manager. “It is wonderful to see the return of Suffolks to Wimpole after such a long time. The team are already enjoying getting to know her and are very excited about her future with us.”
As part of Wimpole’s ongoing work as a rare breeds centre, the team hope Joan will not only take on practical tasks around the farm, including harrowing fields and possibly timber extraction but also contribute to the future of her breed through considered breeding opportunities.
Visit Joan and Learn More
Visitors to Home Farm can find Joan in her stable or out in the fields. They will also have the opportunity to learn about the important role that these magnificent horses play in sustainable land management and the preservation of rare native breeds.
Built in 1794, Home Farm is the only in-hand farm of its kind in the National Trust. Unique to Wimpole Estate, it is a model for sustainable farming practices. As one of the UK’s largest rare-breed centres, the National Trust plays a key role in conserving rare and traditional breeds of livestock, including Irish Moiled and Shetland cattle, Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, Bagot goats, and rare breeds of sheep.
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