June Pony Update.

This month has been a bit quieter than usual, with the anticipation of the coming silage harvest. The ponies are in summer coats now with the exception of Charlie, who obviously thinks it is a bit early. We do hope he hurries up or it will be time to grow the next winter coat.

Somehow they managed to demolish the gate leading into the adjacent field and ventured in so they could tackle the grass there. Not a good idea because the breeding herd was in there and the stallion did not appreciate the intrusion. We were not there so the story is told by hearsay evidence and of marks left on the ponies. Seemingly the two herds occupied opposite corners of the field following the initial skirmish. The stallion guarding his mares and Boss, bless him, Boss the conqueror was in the other corner standing in front of his herd. There were one or two small marks on their coats but I would imagine that the stallion had a little more than he bargained for. He not being in the first flush of youth and both Boss and Charlie are substantially heavier than he is. One thing we have learned is that Boss is like a lamb with us but he will not tolerate other equines not doing his bidding. Reminds me of the poem by Blake, The Tiger, when he wrote; Did he smile his work to see? Did he who made the lamb make thee?

The episode was hastily ended by Kevin, who works on the farm, he ushered our mob back into their correct field and then mended the gate. The ponies still call to each other through the hedge, probably trading insults for all I know.

For those of you who ask about Starlight, our real daughter of the moor. She is very well and obviously perfectly happy because she came down to see Lorna during mid May bringing with her a foal. She, yes a bonny bouncing filly, black as night and perfectly formed will stay with mum on Bellever. Maybe, just maybe if I can persuade Dru, the charity may have her as an adoption pony when she is older and has been weaned. I am sure there will be a competition to name her sometime in the future.

On a different topic, we have opened our new education facility at Occombe Farm and we are looking for additional volunteers, we can never have too many handlers; to help us with the ponies that are resident there. We will give you any training necessary and a top with our 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.