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

Sunday 12th April - All 2 seen

At 15:45 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing in the pasture northeast of the main entrance, near ///dance.cars.hazy. The girls were very friendly, taking turns to come over and greet me before settling in for plenty of strokes and rubs. There had been some rain shortly before I arrived, so they were a little damp, but they soon dried off.

After saying hello, the ponies returned to grazing, but regularly came back for more attention. The non-collared pony had clearly been rolling in muddy ground prior to my arrival and was delighted to stand while I brushed the loose hair from her neck, back, and sides. She seemed much more comfortable afterwards and thanked me with gentle nuzzles. The collared pony preferred long neck and ear rubs, really leaning in and thoroughly enjoying being fussed over. The girls were both happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 17:00, the ponies had gradually moved south, crossed the path, and were enjoying plenty of grass by the corral. After a final round of strokes, I said my goodbyes shortly afterwards. As I was walking away, they continued moving towards the southwest corner.

The ponies were all good today.

Saturday

 Both found at 9.30 on the eastern flank of the hill nibbling away at the new grass. Both looked fine. 

Friday 10th April - Pony Update - Victoria has had her foal

Nicky kindly let me know yesterday that Victoria had given birth to a beautiful filly foal that morning. Both mum and foal are doing well.

I just wanted to share the fantastic news and pass on the photos she sent today. The foal looks absolutely gorgeous. ❤️

Friday 10th April - All 2 seen

At 15:35 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing in the pasture northeast of Brock's Hill, near ///reset.about.legroom. The ground in this area is quite swampy, and as I approached, they were feeding on plants growing in the pools of water and the surrounding soft mud. The girls were very friendly, taking turns to come over and greet me with soft nickers before settling in for plenty of strokes and rubs. Both were happy, relaxed, and looking in good condition.

After our initial greetings, the ponies alternated between grazing and returning for more attention. They both thoroughly enjoyed long neck, shoulder, and back scratches, offering affectionate nuzzles in return.

By 16:20, the ponies had drifted back to the area east of the hill, where they continued to graze, nibbling on fresh grass. They continued to wander over for more strokes, content to receive back rubs while grazing. After a final round of scratches, I said my goodbyes at 16:45, leaving them peacefully grazing.

The ponies were all good today.