October Pony Update.

Autumn is well and truly here now and the ponies are coming into their winter coats very quickly. They are all showing signs that the grass is not enough for them now and they welcome the addition of hay in the paddocks. They do not understand that the world is in economic decline and that the food costs a great deal more. They will be fed regardless of cost; we will pull the belt in somewhere else.

Rolo is growing his leggings, as Joy calls them, the feather on the back of his legs. This makes him look a lot bigger than he actually is. Golden Flame, George and Charlie have all put on some weight for the oncoming winter and they are in tip-top condition.

They have all been wormed, as mentioned last month, although Boss gave us an unexpected hard time. He showed signs of moving away when we approached with the syringe so we left him until last. We know he has a penchant for apples so we hollowed out half a small apple filled the hole with the correct dose for him and then put a piece of apple in the hole as a plug. We then fed him a piece of apple to give him the taste, which of course he wolfed down. He was then offered the doctored apple which he greedily took, bit into it and promptly spat it onto the ground. Most, if not all, of the dose was still in his mouth so we lifted his head a little and massaged his throat until he swallowed.

Annie has gone to a new home, to people we know very well and where we know she will be treasured.

Remember that bonfire and firework night is not far away, please think of equines wintering outside who might not appreciate some of those loud bangs near them.