Sunday 22nd February - All 8 seen

At 14:30 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing east of the path alongside the racecourse, enjoying the warm sunshine. They took turns coming over to say hello and happily accepted plenty of strokes and rubs. The girls were relaxed, content, and looking well.

As the afternoon went on, they gradually moved west, alternating between foraging for acorns beneath the trees along the fence line, browsing gorse, and returning for longer neck and back rubs. Several enjoyed having their backs and sides brushed, as well as gorse removed from their manes and tails. Before long, some began to rest beside the path, carefully positioning themselves to remain in the sunshine. They were happy to be approached for more strokes, fully relaxing and even closing their eyes.

By 16:50, the ponies had moved further west towards the bend in the main path. Most were browsing gorse, while a couple continued foraging for acorns in the soft, muddy ground. I said my goodbyes shortly afterwards, although one pony followed me, keen for some uninterrupted final strokes. After about ten minutes, I quietly slipped away, leaving her resting peacefully.

The ponies were all good today.

Saturday

 All found at 8.30 on the open ground to the east of the hill. All looking relaxed and well munching on the gorse. 

Friday 20h February - All 8 seen

At 14:00 this afternoon, the ponies were sheltering from the rain under the trees in the southwest corner. Tilly spotted me approaching and came out to greet me with soft nickers, before thoroughly enjoying a long neck and ear rub. The other ponies were just as friendly, taking turns to come over and say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. The girls were all dry, so they had obviously retreated under the trees when the rain started. After our initial greetings, the ponies alternated between foraging for acorns, eating holly, and returning for more attention. Most enjoyed long grooming sessions and appreciated having their necks and backs brushed, with gorse carefully removed from their manes and tails. They were completely at ease—resting a hind leg and even closing their eyes. All were happy, content, and looking well. The chestnut pony still had a small amount of discharge in the corner of her left eye. Otherwise, her eye looked fine and didn't appear to be causing her any issues. A close-up photo has been shared with the owner. Later in my visit, after emerging from the trees to graze and getting caught in a shower, her eye appeared cleaner, as the rain seemed to have washed it. Around 15:15, the rain eased, and the ponies started venturing out from under the trees to graze among the gorse bushes in the surrounding area. At one point, the sun even came out briefly, before another rain shower passed through. The ponies frequently returned to enjoy more neck and back scratches. I said my goodbyes at 16:00, only for the girls to follow me out onto the path near the main entrance, clearly not ready for me to leave them. After a final round of strokes, I slipped away and watched them start to graze among the gorse near the entrance. Just as I was leaving, Alice arrived to carry out her staff check. The ponies were all good today.

Friday 20th - Staff Check

 All 8 were right by the gate, looking well if a little "too" inquisitive (I didn't appreciate them trying to lick the steering wheel)

Wednesday 18th - Fence fix

16.16 

I spent around 40 mins looking for ponies before heading to reported fence issue by stream. It does look like it was cut, one end was stuffed into the mud. 

Have fixed it, but sadly no time left to continue looking for ponies. I know where they'll be as I looked everywhere else! 

Zoe 

Mon 16 Feb, all at the entrance today, eating gorse and seemingly well and friendly

Did notice some missing barb wire at ///briefing.spectacle.squeaking where the stream runs into long valley from Tweseldown racecourse.  The lower tier has been pulled back, possibly for walkers to gain access?  I don’t think the ponies could get under but might be worth checking.

Sunday 15th February - All 8 seen

At 14:00 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing and foraging for acorns just around the bend leading onto the path along the side of the racecourse. I had timed my visit well, arriving during a break in the rain, although the ponies were all soaking wet after yet another rainy day. The girls were very friendly, taking turns to come over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. After our initial greetings, the ponies alternated between grazing, resting, and returning for more attention. They were especially attentive, with at least one choosing to stay close by my side at all times. They thoroughly enjoyed long neck, shoulder, and back rubs. All were happy, content, and looking well. The chestnut pony still had a small amount of white discharge in the corner of her left eye. After relaxing into a long neck scratch, she allowed me to gently wipe it away. Otherwise, her eye continues to show signs of improvement. The ponies gradually moved up the hill, browsing gorse on both sides of the main path. At around 15:45, it started to rain once more and seven of them suddenly ran at full speed towards the woodland in the far southwest corner, clearly keen to avoid getting wet again. Tilly lingered for a few extra strokes, but after about five minutes, as the rain grew heavier, she too made a dash for shelter. Although I had planned to head off, I walked over to check they had settled. The girls were sheltering under the trees while foraging for acorns. They were happy for me to join them and soon came over one by one for a few extra strokes and rubs. I said my goodbyes shortly after 16:15, during another break in the rain, leaving them either foraging or resting. The ponies were all good today.