Staff Check - 8th April

 Both ponies looked well, aside from the collared pony's back hooves still being cracked, but it sounds like the owner is aware

Superb photo Steve!

Tuesday 7th April - Both seen

The ponies were grazing just off the track in E5 at 1020 this morning, one cooling her heels in the ditch and cropping the longer shoots coming up through the sphagnum moss, while the collared one was enjoying the lawn next to the track.  Both looked well and glad to have the sun on their backs.  The site is rich with the 'coconut' scent of gorse again.

Monday 6th April - All 2 seen

At 14:30 this afternoon, one of the ponies was basking in the sunshine on the patch of grass at the start of the track up Brock's Hill, while the other was browsing gorse a little further up the slope. They were both very friendly, taking turns to come over and greet me before settling in for plenty of strokes and rubs. They were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

After our initial greetings, the non-collared pony moved a little further up the hill and into the shade. There, she was happy to just stand and be fussed over, thoroughly enjoying extended neck, ear, and shoulder scratches. She would shift position to ensure I could reach all of her itchy spots. Afterwards, she appreciated having the loose hair brushed from her back and sides before returning to rest in the sunshine. The collared pony patiently waited her turn and relished a long neck and chin scratch, offering affectionate nuzzles and licks in return. After a while, she began nibbling gorse from the bushes at the side of the track, content to keep receiving a relaxing back rub while she ate.

By 15:30, the ponies had crossed the path into the southwest-corner pasture, where they enjoyed fresh grass and gorse in the warm sunshine. They both approached for more attention, happily taking a break from their grazing for extra strokes and rubs. I said my goodbyes at 15:50, leaving them peacefully grazing together.

The ponies were all good today.

Sunday 5th April - All 2 seen

Happy Easter!

At 16:00 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing contentedly in the sunshine on the eastern slope of Brock’s Hill. They were both very friendly, taking turns to greet me and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. Afterwards, they alternated between grazing and returning for extended periods of attention, clearly enjoying long neck and back scratches. They were very affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles and head rubs, with the collared pony even giving my ears a lick.

The ponies gradually moved round to the northern slope of the hill, mainly nibbling on fresh grass and heather, but occasionally heading down to the foot of the hill to browse gorse. After a final round of strokes and rubs, I said my goodbyes at 17:20, leaving them grazing peacefully.

The ponies were all good today.

Saturday

 Both found at the eastern edge of the hill at 9.30. Laying down but they got up when I approached and both looked fine. 

Hi, fyi, I’m unavailable to look on Monday 6th April.

.