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.

Saturday

 All found in the same place as last week - in the tress in the far south west corner. All looking fine. 

Friday 6th March - All 8 seen

At 11:30 this morning, the ponies were resting on both sides of the track north of Brock’s Hill. When I first approached, Tilly was stretched out on her side, but was happy to receive some strokes. After a short while, she sat up for a neck scratch before getting to her feet. She was very affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles and cuddles. The other ponies soon started to wander over, keen to say hello and enjoy some strokes and rubs. The dun pony had a good roll on the soft, muddy grass before coming over to greet me.

After our initial greetings, the ponies alternated between resting and grazing nearby. They took turns coming over for more attention, enjoying long neck and back scratches. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

There were a few spots of rain at times, but shortly after 12:35 the rain started in earnest. I wandered over to the main entrance to grab a jacket, and the ponies all followed, waiting for me on the path by the cattle grid. After another round of strokes and rubs, and despite the rain, the girls moved into the pasture to the northeast to graze. Most moved into the gorse bushes along the fence line, but would regularly return to spend some time with me. By 13:05 the rain had become even heavier, and I said my goodbyes, leaving them grazing but hoping they would wander off and find some proper shelter.

The ponies were all good today.

New gates installed - all 8 ponies all well

As Steve mentioned we asked contractors to install 2 kissing gates today on the boundary between Tweseldown and Brocks Hill to hopefully prevent them re-visiting TD again! They have removed the old "squeezes" and installed the gates directly south of Brocks Hill itself and at the far end of the site near the Field Gate into Test Track.

I also checked the ponies and they all looked well. Found yet more litter on the hill and removed that.

Thanks all for your on-going checks - much appreciated. 

Tuesday 3rd March - All 8 ponies seen

It was nice to meet Jack as I arrived on site at about 0940 this morning and later to talk briefly with the contractors installing the new gate between the enclosure and the race course behind Brock's Hill (that will hopefully allow the fences to stay intact!).

I found the ponies grazing in the open area to the north of Brock's Hill around D4/5. All appeared well and not missing the green grass of the racecourse.

2.45pm, Mon 2 March, all on site and enjoying the sun

Met them all on the path between the hill and racecourse, mostly just standing only one was eating the gorse

They appeared well