Saturday 12th October - All 12 seen - Polly's foot has worsened and she'll need to go home

One pony was resting under the trees near ///bulb.renewals.orbited at 15:30, likely having taken shelter from the rain, which had just stopped as I arrived at site. She soon came over for a neck rub. The other ponies had ventured out into the open and were grazing near ///ages.pits.screeches. They were all very friendly, each coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes.

Polly was last to approach, and it was immediately clear her foot injury had worsened since yesterday. She was limping badly and walking gingerly. I sent a video to Nicky, who believes Polly has developed a foot abscess. Unfortunately, this means our gorgeous girl will have to go home, and Nicky will collect her tomorrow. Polly was content to stand with me, enjoying being stroked. She soon fully relaxed, even resting a hind leg. She was very affectionate, giving cuddles and nuzzles and at one point resting her head on my shoulder.

The other ponies continued to graze way off to the southeast. By 16:15, they seemed to realise Polly was missing and came running back at full speed to where we were. I wasn't sure they would stop in time! Several greeted me again before resuming their grazing in the surrounding area. They were all happy and looking well.

The yearlings had been grazing in the thicket to the northeast the entire time. I spotted them several times while caring for Polly. I wandered over to see them just after 16:30. They were enjoying the long grass around the bracken, some gorse, and leaves from the trees and bushes. All four were happy, relaxed and looking well. They were unfazed by my presence, continuing to graze together. By 17:00, the sun had come out, and they made their way to the tank pit near ///bluffing.wept.elastic. They climbed down into the pit to explore and paused to drink from the large puddles. Yearling 278 didn't stay in for long and climbed back out to graze along the edge before coming over to say hello and give me a sniff.

The ponies continued grazing and wandered by the pit at 17:15. A couple came over to see me, nudging me for more strokes. The ponies and the cattle soon wandered east towards the area near ///lobster.imply.hook, where they continued grazing in the sunshine. I said my goodbyes at 17:40.

 

Aside from Polly, the cows and the ponies were all good today.