COLLEGE PARK, Md. (7News) — A special delivery arrived in the early morning hours at the University of Maryland — and it’s already capturing hearts.
Around 2 a.m. on March 15, a thoroughbred mare gave birth to a healthy filly named “Charm” at the university’s campus farm. The birth was assisted by Dr. Amy Burk, along with students enrolled in UMD’s Equine Reproductive Management class.
Photos and videos provided by the university show the filly just hours after birth — already up on her feet and exploring her surroundings.
Baby horse “Charm” was born on March 15, 2026, on University of Maryland’s Campus Farm. This photo was taken on March 19, 2026. (Photo by Dylan Singleton/University of Maryland)
The hands-on experience is part of UMD’s Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, which focuses on the science and management of animals used for agriculture, research and recreation. The department combines classroom instruction with real-world training and research in areas like reproduction, nutrition, genetics and animal behavior.
Students in the program also have access to on-campus facilities, including the university’s farm and horse barn, where they work directly with animals as part of their coursework. The equine program emphasizes hands-on learning — giving students experience in everything from horse care and pasture management to reproduction and foaling.
Baby horse “Charm” was born on March 15, 2026, on University of Maryland’s Campus Farm. This photo was taken on March 19, 2026. (Photo by Dylan Singleton/University of Maryland)
That hands-on approach was on full display leading up to Charm’s birth.
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As part of their coursework, students monitor pregnant mares around the clock in the days before delivery. That includes overnight shifts — watching live camera feeds inside the barn or even sleeping on cots nearby to ensure they don’t miss the moment a foal arrives.
Charm made her debut a bit earlier than expected, arriving during the university’s spring break. But despite the timing, both the foal and her mother are doing well.
The university’s broader equine program also connects students and the community to horse education through research and outreach, including programs focused on horse care, grazing and farm management across Maryland.
The learning experience isn’t over yet. Another foal is expected to be born at the farm in the coming days, giving students another opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.
Faculty and students said Charm is healthy, energetic and already getting plenty of attention. Students continue to care for the newborn at the campus barn, making sure she’s nursing properly and that the mare remains in good condition.
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