Sunday 9th March - All 12 seen

The ponies were happily grazing in the pasture near the eastern set of tank pits at 12:15 this afternoon. They were all very friendly, coming over one by one to greet me and enjoy some strokes. Davinia was especially pleased to see me, trotting over to welcome me with soft nickers and gentle nuzzles. The warm weather had brought out the flies, leading to plenty of tail swishing and foot stamping, but otherwise, the ponies were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

After our greetings, they returned to grazing, enjoying heather, gorse, and even some grass. They frequently came back over for more strokes and rubs, with several enjoying long back rubs as they ate. I said my goodbyes around 13:45, leaving them content and still grazing.

The yearlings were lying down in the bushes near ///plump.goad.struggle at 13:55. They were relaxing and chewing their cud in the shade, with the bushes offering protection from the flies. Yearling 278 had extra protection with yearling 283 lying beside him. The super-friendly yearling 276 immediately got up and came over for lots of neck, ear, and chin rubs. He stood close, soaking up the attention and rewarding me with gentle head rubs. I finally dragged myself away just after 14:30, leading him back to the bushes where I first found him. As I walked away, I saw him settle down to rest again. All four yearlings were happy, relaxed, and in good health.

The cows and the ponies were all good today.