The paddocks are actually drying up so that we can now walk around without sinking in the mud. The ponies are losing their winter coats in a big way and require a good grooming every time we see them. They do seem to enjoy it and will stand with their eyes closed while we remove all the loose hair. They have managed to break a gate at the bottom of the field by rubbing their bottoms against it. Grass is beginning to appear and they prefer to stay in the field instead of coming into the adoption paddocks. They can be tempted to come in with a piece of carrot and then I have to be quick to close the gate before they make a run for it.

Rolo is always first to come in now because he loves to go for a walk and Charlie will saunter in behind him. George will follow his friend Charlie but will stand off from us until he is sure that he has room at the feeder and will not be too close to anyone else. Having said all that George loves attention from humans and will always help us if we are doing jobs in the paddock. We have had to tie all the gates as well as having catches because George has worked out how to open them. 

Golden Flame and Boss have developed the technique of watching us from a distance. The paddock is not flat but has a slight rise halfway across. These two stand on the far side so that all I can see is two pairs of ears and the top of their heads. I know that they are peeping over the rise watching me so I drop down and then they come over the top to see where I have gone. They will usually then come in, pretending that was the plan all the while.

George, Rolo and Boss completed the Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge last weekend and you will read more about that in the newsletter. They were all smartened up and had their tails trimmed so that they would look their best. George did it for the fourth time, quite an achievement for one so young.

On a different topic, we are opening our new education facility at Occombe Farm in a few weeks and we are looking for volunteers to help us with the ponies that will be resident there. We will give you any training necessary and a top with our new logo on it. The work will be demanding but very worthwhile so if you believe that you can help please telephone Dru on 01626 355314.