Mon 16 March, found them by the test track gate area, eating gorse or resting

I entered Long Valley and could hear some whinneying but shortly realised it was coming from  Tweseldown where a couple of horses were practising jumps

I spotted our ladies from the hill on the right hand side of the path towards the test track gate.  On approach a few looked and stared but shortly resumed to eating. 2 were sitting down looking sleepy

It was very peaceful today, didn’t notice any planes and the girls all seemed relaxed and happy

Sunday 15th March - All 8 seen

At 14:00 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing to the northeast of Brock's Hill, keeping their distance from the event taking place at Tweseldown. Several of the girls were grazing on the slope of the hill, while others preferred the gorse bushes along the side of the path. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over to greet me and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. They were all happy, relaxed, and looking well.

Afterwards, the ponies continued to graze, with most moving onto the northern slope of the hill to browse gorse and the straw-like grass. Tilly and Poppy preferred to return to the gorse bushes along the path. Tilly was especially affectionate, taking a break to enjoy a long neck and chin rub before thanking me with gentle nuzzles. Poppy's coat is the most beautiful colour just now, and she loved having it brushed while nibbling on gorse.

Shortly after 15:00, it started to lightly rain, but the ponies continued to alternate between grazing and returning for more attention. The group gradually made their way west, with a couple of ponies briefly climbing towards the top of the hill to sample different patches of gorse. The girls were very attentive, with at least one always keeping me company and enjoying plenty of scratches.

Unfortunately, shortly after 16:00 the rain intensified, so I said my goodbyes, leaving them all still grazing but hoping they would go and find some shelter.

I noted that the stile over the fence at the main entrance has been damaged.

The ponies were all good today.

Saturday

 All found spread out along the western fence line at 8.15. All looking fine 

Friday 13th March - All 8 seen

At 15:10 this afternoon, the ponies were spread out grazing among the gorse bushes along the fence line to the northeast of the main entrance. Tilly spotted me approaching and slipped away from the others to enjoy a long neck and ear scratch. She was slightly damp from the earlier rain showers but was drying out quickly in the breeze. She was very affectionate, offering cuddles and gentle nuzzles in return. After nearly ten minutes, the other ponies wandered over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

After our initial greetings, the ponies returned to grazing but continued to take turns coming over for more attention. Several enjoyed longer grooming sessions, loving having their backs and sides brushed, and the gorse untangled from their manes and tails. The girls have started shedding their winter coats and seemed pleased to have the loose hair brushed away.

The ponies continued to graze, with most gradually making their way onto the northern slope of Brock's Hill to browse gorse in the sunshine. There were a few brief showers, but they didn't seem bothered by them at all. The girls continued to come over for more strokes and rubs, happy to be fussed over.

When I went to check the fence line along the side of the racecourse, all eight followed, clearly curious about what I was doing. When they realised it wasn't anything interesting, most began grazing in the pasture southeast of Brock's Hill, near the stream. The two youngsters followed me all the way to the furthest kissing gate, keen for more scratches. After a while, we made our way back to the others, stopping briefly for some grass nibbling near the pond. There were no issues with the fence or with the two new gates.

The ponies continued to graze, slowly making their way west towards the path along the racecourse. I said my goodbyes at 17:30, leaving them all peacefully grazing.

The ponies were all good today.

Friday 13th - Staff Check

 All 8 girls were found east of the track just in by the main entrance, looking well and relaxes

Mon 9th March, none seen today

Checked the easy to reach areas but the ground was too boggy to go further afield.  

The new fences look great!

Sunday 8th March - All 8 seen

At 14:20 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing contentedly in the southwest corner of the site, mainly browsing on gorse. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over to greet me and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. They seemed pleased to have the loose gorse brushed from their backs and untangled from their manes and tails. All eight ponies were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 15:00, they had crossed the path to continue grazing on the northern slope of Brock’s Hill. The girls alternated between grazing, resting, and returning for lots more attention. They especially enjoyed long neck and chin rubs, relaxing completely, lowering their heads, and resting a hind leg. The ponies were a joy to spend some quiet time with this afternoon.

I said my goodbyes at 16:30, leaving them all peacefully grazing on the slope of the hill.

The ponies were all good today.