Sunday 29th June - Pony Update - All 7 seen

At 12:25 this afternoon, yearlings 276, 278, and 283 were gathered in the wooded area near ///jolly.chef.twinkled, northeast of the entrance by the car park. Yearling 276 was the first to come over to say hello and enjoy a neck rub. Yearling 283 was being pestered by flies and vigorously rubbed his head on a large pile of earth. Once he'd finished, he came over to greet me. Judging by the state of yearling 278's forehead, he'd done the same earlier. After a while, they happily resumed foraging among the trees and bracken. All three were relaxed, content, and looking well.

Yearling 282 was about 200 metres further northeast, standing on a small island in the middle of the swampy duck pond. Against my better judgement, I made my way over to check on him — thankfully, he was absolutely fine and thoroughly enjoyed a long neck rub. After I waded back through the thick mud, he followed me to the shade of the trees and stayed close for more attention. He, too, was happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

Shortly before 13:00, I met Nicky at the ammo dump as she brought the first three ponies back to Hawley Lakes. Once unloaded from the trailer, they were keen to explore and headed off to the east. For awareness, the bay pony with the white blaze has a patch of blue antibiotic spray at the top of her front right leg. Although the wound has fully healed, she's been treated as a precaution following a recent injury.

After Nicky left, I caught up with the ponies by the main path near ///revisits.edicts.peanut at 14:10. They were very friendly, coming over one by one to say hello and enjoy some strokes. After a while, they wandered west along the path and spent a good while grazing in the area near ///trio.handrail.hint. Despite the heat, they happily munched on the fresh grass and the occasional patch of gorse. Eventually, they crossed the path to rest under the shade of the trees, coming over regularly for more strokes and rubs.

I said my goodbyes at 15:00, leaving them peacefully grazing — though they followed me around the side of the ammo compound and onto the tarmac path. After a few final strokes, they wandered off west to continue exploring. All three were happy, relaxed, and looking fantastic. It’s wonderful to have New Forest Ponies back at Hawley Lakes.

I noticed someone had set up what appeared to be a bike obstacle course near ///difficult.heat.loose.

The cows and the ponies were all good today.

Saturday 28th June - All 4 seen

At 14:05 this afternoon, yearlings 282 and 283 were happily grazing in the pasture near ///worms.contacts.cover, enjoying a good mix of fresh grass, heather, and silver birch leaves. Yearlings 276 and 278 were about 100 metres further east, also grazing contentedly. All four were friendly, coming over one by one to say hello and enjoy some strokes.  A refreshing breeze was blowing, which made the heat more comfortable.

The boys continued grazing, gradually moving west and gathering in the shade near ///fetch.insist.bead by 14:50. Along the way, they regularly returned for more strokes and rubs. Yearling 282 particularly enjoyed a long neck and chin rub while relaxing in the shade, even resting his head on my shoulder for a while. Yearling 276 was especially keen on back and shoulder scratches today, often wandering over and gently nudging me whenever he wanted more.

After a while, all four made their way south, crossing the track into the neighbouring pasture. They stayed mostly in the shade of the gorse bushes near the main path, continuing to graze on the long grass and heather. I said my goodbyes at 15:30, leaving them peacefully grazing near ///bend.caps.beads.

When I first arrived, I noticed four new metal fence posts placed in the grass near ///gives.sobs.sapping — I don’t recall seeing these before.

Before heading off, I also checked the water trough, which was full. I gave it a clean as well.

The cows were all good today.

I have an ear tag for Jeans, (283) Found a Few Weeks Back

 Is it wanted for Re-Fitting, or shall I chuck it ?

Friday 27th June 25. 11.00 All Four Seen at I6/J6 Border. All Well

 They were all intently grazing the long fresh green grass on the edge of the open meadow. All well with Jura, (282) the friendliest, permitting me a head and neck scratch, although a large (horse ?) fly made me retreat for a few secs, before it flew off.

I also checked under the piece of corrugated tin, near the adjacent "bridge", but no reptiles under it today 😞. 

Thursday 26th June 25. (08.15). Saw all Four. All OK.

 When i originally arrived, Jeans, (283) was on his own in the middle of the open ground in D9, while the other three were 150 yards further west , on the edge of the clearing/woodland in C9.  It appeared as if he is loosing his brown hairs to be replaced by black.   He was contentedly grazing, but allowed me a short neck scratch.

I then went over to the other three, who were also busily grazing and appeared well.  I managed a short stroke/neck scratch with J'Adore, (276) and Jura,(282), but Jet, (278) was much too interested in eating to be bothered with me.

By the time I was leaving, Jeans, (283) had walked over to join his mates in C9 and they all continued to graze.  All four appeared well.