Firstly, thank you to all the people who came to Brimpts to see their adopted pony at Christmas. The weather was a bit on the parky side with a lazy wind, one that went through you instead of around you. Now, well, it just got a lot worse, we have not been able to get up to feed them for a few days now and this is being done for us by Andy Bradford. The snow fell on frozen ground as I’m sure it has where you are.

Even though they are in a different field and are, usually, unable to see us when we arrive; they still appear on the top of the hill to spy on us. A bit like the film Zulu, all you can see is the tops of their heads and ears. When they realise that there might be food they come down the steep path onto a flat area where we feed them.

The ponies have all grown super long thick coats and barely seem to notice the weather let alone our discomfort. They are enjoying the hay and Charlie has developed the habit of rolling in it before he eats it. The rest just stand and stare at him, convinced, I’m certain, that he is completely mad.

Remember, we now have five adoption ponies. Miss Mousie, known around the paddocks as Smartie; has joined our little band. She is a cool cookie and is developing into a super young pony with a character all of her own. She adores human contact and loves to see the visitors. After the preliminary scuffles, with the others, she is quite capable of holding her own against the bigger ones.  George and Charlie have accepted her; Golden Flame and Boss are completely indifferent to the power struggles and just eat. Rolo saw his chance to get off the bottom rung in the pecking order but has met with resistance. The bickering has now stopped and it appears that peace has broken out.

Let’s hope that this weather improves before our next open day. Sunday 31^st January.  Please be aware that if you find it difficult to get to Brimpts, because of the road conditions, then the volunteers will do so as well.