Saturday 15th March - All 12 seen - dark bay pony has what appears to be a bite on her left ear tip and issue with the padlock on the gate by the car park entrance

The yearlings were relaxing under the trees by the car park entrance at 14:05 this afternoon. Yearling 276 came straight over to greet me and enjoyed endless neck, ear, chin and back rubs. He was very affectionate, rewarding me with gentle head rubs and licks. After a while, yearling 282 joined us, just as eager for strokes and rubs. The pair of them were an absolute delight to spend time with. Later, yearlings 278 and 283 also came over to say hello, enjoying a few strokes before returning to lie down and chew their cud. All four boys were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

When I first arrives, the metal barrier at the cattle grid was lying open. I closed it and phoned the guard room to report the unlocked gate. A security patrol arrived a little later, but the padlock was faulty, preventing them from securing it. They assured me they would request a replacement. After chatting with the guard about the cows and ponies, I returned to spend more time with the boys before saying my goodbyes just after 15:10.

By 15:30, the ponies were grazing among the gorse bushes near ///kick.numeral.today. They were all very friendly, coming over one by one to say hello and enjoy some strokes. They seemed happy to have company, rewarding me with plenty of cuddles and nuzzles. Several ponies enjoyed long neck rubs while resting in the sunshine. Eventually, most returned to grazing, slowly moving southwest toward the main path. Davinia stayed behind, thoroughly enjoying having her back brushed. Later, the dark pony with the white star and Polly also relished being brushed.

The ponies that had wandered onto the main path soon settled under the shade of the trees. The dark bay pony had a small bald patch just above her nose and what appeared to be a bite on the tip of her left ear. Though the area was slightly swollen, it didn't seem to be causing her discomfort, and she was perfectly fine with me checking it. I have informed the owner and shared some photos.

By 16:35, the ponies had gathered near ///crafts.keys.polo, enjoying the last of the afternoon sun. Some were grazing on gorse, while others rested. Davinia stood on a small hill, savouring another long neck rub. She completely relaxed, leaning into the strokes, and at one point, even rested her head on my shoulder. She thanked me with the sweetest nuzzles. I spent a little extra time with each pony before saying my goodbyes shortly before 17:30.

As I was leaving, I spotted the boys grazing in the heather near ///assist.nicer.movies, looking fantastic in the setting sun. Yearling 276 came over for more strokes, but I soon left them to enjoy their dinner.

The cows and ponies were all good today.