All the ponies are coping well with the winter and have grown beautiful thick coats. The weather does not seem to bother them and they are not actively looking for shelter. They are eating grass out in the paddocks topped up with hay. They still come into the adoption paddocks when they see us on the off chance we might give them an apple. They have all now learned to come into the paddocks when we call them. This is wonderful when they are two fields away. We have also started to teach Golden Flame, George and Charlie on a long line, some people call it a lunge rein, for just a few minutes at a time. They are being taught to walk properly in each direction, around a circle, together with a few simple voice commands. This work will slowly increase; the ponies will eventually; trot, canter and learn to jump.

Golden Flame is looking absolutely wonderful, she is doing well and it shows around her middle. She has been out walking with Officer Dru and her volunteers and seems to appreciate a different view; especially the new stallion further up the lane. She loved the Christmas open day when she met a lot of the visitors. She is working hard to be ready for the Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge; both to be fit and to welcome her friends.

Charlie seems to be bigger every time I see him. Not fat but very well proportioned and muscular. He is definitely going to be our biggest pony; in physical being and in character. He lives to eat and will look for spoils from anyone. Charlie has developed the habit of not going into mud and when walking it is not Charlie who has to leap over the mud, he goes around the edge. More work needed on this battle of wills. His temperament has not altered one jot from the day he came to us. He loves to be loved and is totally trustworthy.

George has returned from the planet he was on prior to his men’s only op. He did give Charlie a hard time and anyone else who was near him. He is now the same old George he was and he too loves attention and will give himself up to be first for a walk. He has developed the habit of wanting to carry things for us. Perhaps we should call him Fido or Rover. He loves to carry his lead rope or a stick or any coat that is too close. He does not damage them; just carries them. Again, more discipline and work probably needed.

Starlight, beautiful Starlight; she too has had an operation and her demeanour has totally changed as a result of it. As you know she had a minor operation on her right hind leg, this was because she had a condition called a locking stifle. When it locked she felt insecure. All equines have the flight instinct, so when an animal loses the ability to run away, it can create problems with their temperament. They become scarred and although we were told that her condition was not painful, we were sure it was uncomfortable. The wound created through the operation has healed up nicely, and she no longer feels trapped. She has become a delight to be with and such a rewarding pony. She loves her walks and enjoys going up the lane into the Forestry land. Starlight still has her independent nature and when I watch her gazing at the hills I often wonder what is going through her mind.

Rolo, new boy on the block; what a little cracker he is becoming. He has been in the stable since he came to us going out to see the adoption herd during the day. His condition fell back after he was weaned and we took advice and have fed him concentrate and plenty of good clean hay. We get a lovely welcome when he sees us arrive; maybe he associates us with food, I like to think he is pleased to see us. He walks beautifully around the farm and takes a lively interest in all things. He shares his stable with a Chaffinch and a Sparrow; who come to clean up the fallen seed in the deep layer straw bed. He has found out that Golden Flame is the boss and delinquency will not be tolerated, so he cavorts and torments from a distance. His basic temperament is very similar to that of Charlie’s, so that augurs well.

See you all at the next meet the pony day on 18th February – Joy & Andy X