Sunday 22nd December - All 12 seen

The ponies were resting on both sides of the access road, just up from the main vehicle entrance, at 13:25 this afternoon. I met Nicky and Jackie at the site, as they planned to worm the girls. The ponies were very friendly, approaching one by one to say hello and enjoy some strokes. To avoid being selected for treatment, many lingered with me, happily receiving long neck rubs before retreating to the trees west of the road to rest.

While the ponies weren't thrilled about the worming process, they remained calm throughout. However, the darkest pony proved uncooperative, refusing to wear her head collar despite being offered plenty of treats. Ultimately, Nicky decided to leave her for now and plans to worm her during her next visit. By 13:40, the ponies had had enough and galloped over to the far side of the site near the tank pits. Davinia kindly stopped to wait for me and enjoyed an extra neck rub, before joining the others.

When we caught up with them, the ponies had begun grazing. After ensuring they were fine, Nicky and Jackie said their goodbyes. I stayed behind to spend a little more time with the group. They quickly relaxed, allowing me to approach and give them more strokes. The ponies were all happy, content, and looking well. I left them just after 14:20.

Shortly after, the yearlings were found grazing deep within the gorse bushes near //things.complies.rely. I hoped they might come down to greet me, but a sudden rain shower changed their minds. Determined to check on them, I climbed up to see them. The yearlings were very friendly, approaching as soon as they noticed me. Yearling 283 was in a tight spot, reaching for the tastiest gorse, but still lowered his head to say hello and sniff me. The boys were all happy, relaxed, and looking well.

The cows and the ponies were good today.