Friday 24th April - No access to Test Track section

I visited the site a little later than usual this afternoon, hoping the gate into the Test Track section would be open. Unfortunately, even after waiting until after 18:00, it remained locked.

It was a warm, pleasant afternoon, so I passed the time with some litter picking before checking the fence along the eastern edge of the site, all the way to the far northeastern corner. Even from there, though, the cattle were down by the pond and still too far away for me to see them.

Cattle on Test Track - restricted access; only possible when the gate is unlocked

 Please note that public access to Test Track is very limited to times when the army are not using Test Track. 

Access is different from Brocks Hill, where the ponies usually are, for health and safety reasons, as the army trial new military vehicles and use the site for driver training; sometimes with large vehicles driven at high speed. 

You can only access from Brocks Hill when the metal kissing gate is unlocked. 

Unfortunately prior notice of access times is currently not possible as the army are on high security status due to the situation in the Middle East. 

Thanks

CATTLE ON SITE - Test track side

X4 large British White crosses are now grazing Long Valley Test track side of the site now (next door to the pony side Brocks Hill)

They have tracking collars on

Thank you for your continued support

The grazing team

Sunday 19th April - Pony Update - Tilly has had her foal

Nicky let me know that Tilly has given birth to a beautiful foal this morning, and I’m happy to report that both mum and baby are doing well.

The foal looks absolutely gorgeous. ❤️

Wednesday 15th April - Pony Update - no ponies on site

At 12:35 this afternoon, the ponies were resting under the trees in the far southwest corner of the site. They were both very friendly, taking turns to come over, say hello, and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. Afterwards, they alternated between resting, nibbling on holly, and returning for more attention. Both ponies thoroughly enjoyed long neck and back scratches, and were happy to have the loose hair brushed from their backs and sides. They were very affectionate, regularly offering gentle nuzzles as they were fussed over. The girls were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

Nicky arrived shortly after 13:00 to take them back to the New Forest. The collared pony will be seeing the farrier in the coming days to have her hooves trimmed. Sadly, this means there are no ponies on the Long Valley reserve for now.

The ponies were all good today.

Wednesday 15th April - Pony Update - Poppy has had her foal

Nicky kindly let me know that Poppy has given birth to a beautiful foal this morning, and I’m happy to report that both mum and baby are doing well ❤️.

2.30pm, Mon 13 Apr, both at the base of Brock Hill, eating the grass, looking lovely in the sunshine after a heavy downpour

Both seemed fine today and engrossed in eating the grass