As predicted, around the 16^th August the ponies started to lose the summer sheen on their coats and as I write this I can see the obvious signs of a heavier winter coat. Nights up on Dartmoor are definitely much colder than on the coast and it is reflected in all that is around us. Rolo has started to grow his “carthorse legs”, as Joy calls them; heavy feather on the backs of his legs.

We had an interesting day with them recently, talk of unpredictable behaviour, they were manic. We arrived as usual and opened the centre and then went up to the paddocks to see the ponies. On seeing us they came charging in at full gallop. Unusual, for these days they tend to saunter in because there is still grass to eat. I was putting up some new mineral licks and they came to a ground turning halt beside me. I should have realised that something was different, Charlie buried his head twixt my arm and body, something he has done since he was quite small when he was unsure of himself, George was pacing about and was in an agitated state. The others were keenly observant watching something in the far distance. This state of hyperactivity was not getting less and I could not see or hear anything to spur this reaction. The ponies would settle and then in unison they would lift their heads and all face in the same direction, ears straining and nostrils searching for scent, then gallop around the field. The problem was resolved when Andy Bradford came over and during conversation said that the local hunt was in the area. The ponies could obviously hear the horn or the hounds speaking. Another worry over, strange how ponies that have never been near a hunting field should react to the scenario, but, all equines seem to do it.

The ponies are going to be having a busy few weeks in front of them with schools and other groups coming to Brimpts for “Pony Power” days.

There is still time for you to visit Occombe Farm in Preston Down road in Paignton where Kerry Smith, the Project Manager of “P.I.P” would be pleased to see you. The ponies will be on the on the farm until the end of October. They are working on our “PONIES INSPIRING PEOPLE”, project. Speak with the Meeters and Greeters they will be only to happy to explain what we are doing at Occombe.

You will also be able to see Miss Mousie, our latest Adoption Pony; she is working at Occombe on the project and is incredibly popular with the children and adults alike.