The weather is still dominating the scene, some days it is nice and warm and overnight it reverts back to winter. The ponies, however, do not seem to mind. They are losing their winter coats and are beginning to look a size smaller. Some of us wish we could do that. The snowdrops have gone and the daffodils are looking sorry for themselves. The primroses seem to be a bit thin on the ground this year and the bluebells are pushing through.

We wormed the ponies a few days ago and were helped by a school group, who were at the centre for an educational visit and were pleased to be involved. First we checked their weight by using a tape around them. Not an exact science this, but it is close enough. Then the appropriate dose is calibrated on the tube and given to the pony by putting it in its mouth.

Our bare foot trimmer, Ian, came to trim their hooves on another day when we also had a school visiting. Both the children and the ponies were fascinated by what Ian was doing. All the ponies behaved impeccably and we only had one problem, guess who with!! Correct, Charlie, he was fine on his nearside and dutifully watched Ian trim his hooves. However, when he moved to his offside and picked up a foot Charlie started to lean. A bit like that tower in Pisa with the exception that Charlie just kept going until he very slowly lay down. He looked very smug lying in my newly laid wood-chip surface. He then decided that this was a good place for a roll, so he did. When he stood up he looked like the Trojan horse, he had so much wood sticking to him.

Last Sunday we called the ponies in for the visitors to meet, and, true to form they came in like they were going to the first fence in the Grand National. I managed to get the gate closed before they completed their first circuit of the paddocks. This day was destined to be different from usual and indeed it was. They ignored the hay put out for them and continued chasing each other around for about an hour. This play fighting amused the visitors and eventually reduced the ponies to a slow walk. They then stood there dripping wet with their sides heaving and nostrils flared. So much for grooming them, it was now impossible. The ponies seemed to have enjoyed it so a repeat performance is always possible.

On a different topic, we are opening our new education facility at Occombe Farm later this month 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.