Saturday 1st March - All 12 seen

Two ponies were resting in the shade under the trees northeast of the ammo compound near ///widen.logs.traders at 14:20 this afternoon. Both were very friendly, taking turns coming over to greet me and enjoy some strokes. Unfortunately, the warm weather had brought out swarms of flies that constantly bothered them. Despite this, the girls were very affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles as they enjoyed long neck and ear rubs.

Not long after I found them, I heard frequent neighing in the distance, but neither pony reacted. Then, at 14:35, four more ponies arrived, coming straight over to say hello. They were just as friendly, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs. After a while, all six began grazing but frequently returned for more attention. The flies were frustrating them, causing lots of tail swishing, foot stamping, and even some rolling on the grass to get relief. Despite the irritation, they were all happy, relaxed, and in excellent condition.

At 15:25, I set off to find the remaining two ponies and the yearlings. As I approached ///prop.bakers.refer, I suddenly heard the thundering of hooves and was soon joined by the dark pony with a white star on her head. She was very friendly, standing close and eagerly soaking up more strokes. After a while, I heard more neighing from the group I had left, so decided to return with her to check on them. They had moved to the side of the ammo compound, drinking from puddles and grazing, but were all fine. 

After setting off again, the dark pony stepped out of the thicket and joined me on the main path near ///bronzer.mixing.snow at 16:15. She stood close, relaxing as I gently removed the gorse from her mane. About ten minutes later, the original six ponies trotted down the path from the west to join us. The final pony was found grazing in the thicket near ///proven.returns.mend at 16:30.

Nearby, the yearlings were munching on gorse, but soon emerged from the bushes to greet me. Yearling 276 was his usual affectionate self, coming straight over for lots of neck, ear, and back rubs. He rewarded me with gentle head rubs and licks—he truly is a delight and just wants endless attention. All four yearlings were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 17:15, the ponies had gathered near ///asked.pacifist.tens, just off the main path, grazing peacefully as the sun set. With the flies finally gone, they seemed much more at ease. It was lovely to spend some extra time with them before saying my goodbyes as darkness fell.

The cows and the ponies were all good today.