Friday 21st March - All 12 seen

The ponies were grazing north of the ammo compound at 11:15 this morning. They were all very friendly, wandering over one by one to say hello and enjoy some strokes. I received a lovely welcome, with plenty of cuddles and nuzzles. After our initial greetings, they returned to grazing, but frequently came back over for more strokes and rubs. The girls were all happy, relaxed, and looking great.

It was wonderful to spend some quiet time with each of the ponies today. They thoroughly enjoyed long neck rubs, and most were happy to stand and be brushed. They totally relaxed, bowing their heads, resting a hind leg, and in some cases struggled to stay awake!

By 12:30, four of the ponies wandered off to rest under the shade of the trees near ///face.snappy.trespass. The sun had come out, bringing the flies with it, though there were noticeably fewer in the shade. The other four ponies remained out in the open, happily grazing on gorse and heather, while continuing to enjoy plenty of strokes. 

I said my goodbyes at 13:00, but they clearly didn’t want me to leave, following me as I walked away. After giving them a bit more attention, I walked them over to rejoin the four resting under the trees.

The dark bay pony’s left ear tip looked slightly better today, with no visible swelling. As a precaution, some healing cream was applied.

The cattle had initially been grazing deep in the thicket but soon emerged to greet me near ///breaches.grunt.ruling. The boys were all very friendly and enjoyed some strokes, but yearling 276 stole the show, relishing endless chin, neck, and back rubs. He rewarded me with gentle head rubs and licks.

After a while, the other three wandered off to graze in the heather to the north, but yearling 276 preferred to stay and be fussed over. After saying goodbye to him at 14:05, he slowly made his way over to join the others. All four yearlings were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

The cows and the ponies were all good today.