A Suffolk Punch foal has received a double honor with its name, commemorating the significance of its birthdate.
Jedi John entered the world on May 4th, coinciding with the celebrated Star Wars Day (May the Fourth), at Easton Farm Park near Woodbridge, Suffolk.
The foal’s name pays tribute not only to the iconic day but also to John Kerr, the farm’s founder and former chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club, which was officially promoted to the Premiership on the same day.
Cara Lawrence, representing the farm, explained, “We adhere to an alphabetical naming tradition for our foals, and since this year’s letter is J, we decided to inject a bit of fun into the naming process.”
The Suffolk Punch breed holds a “critically endangered” status according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).
Jedi John’s mother, Easton Ruby, herself born at Easton Farm Park, played a pivotal role in an innovative breeding initiative involving RBST, Nottingham University, and Cogent, utilizing sexed semen.
This collaboration resulted in Ruby’s first foal, named Hope. Both Easton Ruby and Hope returned to Easton Farm Park in March 2022.
Cara Lawrence expressed, “We are thrilled to introduce Jedi John, the newest addition to our Suffolk Punch family. Despite Ruby being 10 days overdue, he is thriving, albeit quite large—his legs nearly rival hers in length.”
Lawrence added, “With the population of pure-bred Suffolks dwindling to less than 500, our breeding program aims to welcome a new foal each year, fostering hope for the preservation of this majestic breed.”