At 13:40, the ponies were gathered near ///forms.refills.intend, east of the ammo compound. Polly was resting but greeted me with soft nickers and enjoyed a long neck rub. The other six were grazing in the gorse to the northeast and quickly came over when they heard my voice, keen for strokes and rubs.
After our greetings, the ponies crossed the main path and moved onto the track south of the compound. They alternated between grazing on gorse and heather and returning for long neck and back scratches. They also appreciated having loose gorse removed from their manes and tails and their backs gently brushed. The girls were very affectionate, responding with gentle nuzzles and cuddles. I said my goodbyes at 15:00, leaving them peacefully grazing toward the western end of the track. All seven ponies were happy, relaxed, and looking well.
Soon after, I headed southwest along the central grass track toward the trough and spotted the boys resting by the western fence line near ///sifts.snowy.selling. Yearlings 283 and 276 got up and took turns coming over for strokes, while 278 and 282 waited their turn, resting and chewing their cud. After about ten minutes, the ponies arrived and things became a little crowded, prompting the boys to move south. I stayed with them, continuing to give them attention, while the ponies gradually drifted north to graze.
The cattle were very friendly, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs and returning the affection with gentle head rubs. When not being fussed over, they grazed in the surrounding heather. After a while, yearlings 278 and 282 began play‑fighting, rubbing heads and pushing each other around. They were clearly enjoying themselves, though I occasionally stepped in when things became a little too boisterous. Eventually, they settled and came back over for more strokes and rubs.
I said my goodbyes shortly before 16:00, leaving the boys peacefully grazing in the heather. By then, it had turned cold, and a thick fog was forming at the far end of the pasture. Despite this, I spent another twenty minutes with the ponies, who were grazing among the gorse near ///farm.nips.soup, before saying my final goodbyes as darkness fell.
While with the boys, I took a short break to check the trough, clearing a thin layer of ice and giving it a quick clean, including removing the floating leaves.
It was great to catch up with Howard, who was also out checking on the cattle and the ponies.
The cows and the ponies were all good today.
All the very best for 2026!
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