Monday 23rd December - Pony Update - now 4 ponies on site

At 12:30 this afternoon, the ponies were happily grazing near ///rebel.ballots.sides in the pasture northeast of Brock's Hill. The foal was the first to notice me approaching and eagerly trotted over, nickering softly as he came closer. He greeted me with affectionate cuddles and nuzzles before enjoying his usual long neck rub. It was wonderful to spend some one-on-one time with him before the other ponies wandered over to say hello. The girls were all very friendly, happily receiving strokes and rubs. They looked happy, relaxed, and in excellent condition.

The ponies slowly moved towards Brock's Hill, reaching the track by about 13:15. As they made their way, they frequently took breaks from grazing to return for more strokes. The foal especially enjoyed a long, relaxing back rub while grazing. Once they reached the track, most of the ponies stopped for a drink from the puddles before continuing to graze. Tilly and Poppy snacked on gorse, while the others preferred nibbling on heather along the hill’s slope.

By 13:50, the ponies had reached the west end of Brock's Hill just as Nicky and Jackie arrived. This marked a bittersweet moment, as it was the day my gorgeous boy would leave Longvalley for pastures new. The “little one” needs to be microchipped and issued a New Forest Pony passport before spending the next few months in a warm barn alongside this year's other foals. Watching him grow up over the last almost eight months has been an absolute joy.

We successfully guided Megan and her foal into the corral and then into the trailer. Although the foal was understandably hesitant—it being his first time in a trailer—he soon followed his mum inside and quickly settled. With their departure, only four ponies remain on the Longvalley reserve, though Megan is expected to return soon.

While the foal was being loaded, the remaining four ponies, who had been grazing near the corral, suddenly bolted off at high speed. After saying goodbye to Nicky and Jackie, I went to check on them. By 15:10, I found them in the swampy, waterlogged northeast corner near ///smiled.amazed.dares. Pandora came to greet me, and the group quickly relaxed upon seeing a familiar face. They were happy to accept a few treats, enjoyed strokes, and leaned into long neck rubs. I said my goodbyes just after 15:45, with the ponies contentedly munching on heather.

The ponies were all good today.