Friday 10th February - What a glorious day!

Dartmoor has to be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in the world and today she pulled out all the stops. A clear sunny cold Winter's day, the russet brown of the bracken allowing the hut circles and old stone walls to peak through the dead vegetation allowing us a glimpse of a past existence.

Thought of the week

Strange to think that ponies can be traced back on Dartmoor some 6,000 years. We are left with a prehistoric message of how man has relied on cattle, sheep and ponies. Has time changed very much, no not really we still need our stock to graze the moor and manage it in a way that machinery never could.

When I normally arrange to meet Aarran and Alan (two fantastic volunteers who help us with the ponies), the weather is wet, or freezing. What a luxury to catch up ponies without slipping in the mud. I know we need the rain, but this Winter has been a joy to work outside, even if we look like Michelin men bundled up in layers of clothes.

Well, this weeks news is about dear sweet Golden Flame, she has been running with the main herd of Brimpts ponies, but we thought it was about time to move her in with the 'Gang'. Boss had great fun chasing her around for the first day, but she has taken her revenge in a very unlady like fashion. She has chewed bits of his tail! Now Boss is a very fine looking Dartmoor Heritage Pony and has up until now had a long flowing mane and tail. The tail is now looking a bit sad, but I'm sure it will grow back in time for Easter.

Golden Flame has only been caught a few times before and we just weren't sure how she would behave today. We caught up the boys, then Starlight, and you won't believe it but we took about ten minutes to catch Golden Flame, we must have our very own horse whisperer, when I tried she just gave me a comical look and took off, so much for my skills in the art of catching up. We took the 'Gang' for a two hour walk. They all behaved really well, we are amazed at the progress they are making. The ponies are ready to meet everyone on the 21st Feb, hope you can make, don't forget to book.

Bye for now.

Officer Dru