Foster Foal Service: Supporting Breeders in Times of Need

The NZ Standardbred Breeders Association (NZSBA) is proud to support and promote foster foal services across New Zealand — a critical welfare lifeline for breeders facing the loss of a mare or foal. These services play an essential role in matching orphan foals with foster mares, giving them the care and companionship they need to grow and thrive.

The NZ Standardbred Breeders Association (NZSBA) is proud to support and promote foster foal services across New Zealand — a critical welfare lifeline for breeders facing the loss of a mare or foal. These services play an essential role in matching orphan foals with foster mares, giving them the care and companionship they need to grow and thrive.

South Island Foster Foal Service (SIFFS)

One of the most trusted and responsive services in the country is the South Island Foster Foal Service, coordinated by the dedicated Anna Miles. Operating from Pear Tree Farm near Waimate, Anna manages SIFFS with compassion, urgency, and professionalism — helping connect breeders across the South Island in times of need.

With experience gained from time at the Irish National Stud and years on major breeding farms, Anna brings both technical knowledge and emotional understanding to the task of fostering. Her work ensures that foals who lose their dams early in life still have the chance to be raised naturally with a foster mare.

How to Access the Service

If you’ve lost a foal or mare and are in need of support, please reach out directly:

• Text: 021 0250 3472
• Facebook: South Island Foster Foal Service – Facebook Page

Important Guidelines (as per SIFFS protocol):

• Act quickly: Time is critical when a mare or foal is lost. Text Anna with your details as soon as possible.
• Information to provide: Include whether you're seeking a mare or a foal, along with the location, breed, and any relevant details about age, temperament, or medical condition.
• No Facebook posts: Do not post publicly to the SIFFS page — all requests must be made via private message or text.
• Service area: The South Island Foster Foal Service is available to all breeders and all breeds.
• Gratitude to mare owners: The service relies on the generosity of those willing to offer mares for fostering — without them, it couldn’t operate.

A Community-Led Service

SIFFS operates as a free community service, driven by goodwill, urgency, and a shared love of horses. Anna Miles continues to deliver this critical work selflessly, and NZSBA commends the many breeders who have supported her by registering mares or responding to foal alerts over the years.

If you're interested in making your mare available for fostering or learning more about how to support this initiative, please reach out via the contact details above.

Together, we can give every foal the best possible start in life.