Friday 11th April - All 5 seen

The ponies were happily grazing near the corral at 15:30 this afternoon, enjoying the warm sunshine. Although the heat had brought out the flies, they didn't seem too bothered. They were all very friendly, coming over one by one to say hello and enjoy some strokes. Pandora greeted me with soft nickers and thoroughly enjoyed a long neck rub, rewarding me with the sweetest nuzzles and cuddles. All the ponies looked happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

After a while, they began seeking shade beneath the nearby trees and bushes but continued to return regularly for more strokes and rubs. Several of them loved having their necks and backs brushed as they continue to shed their winter coats. I also took the opportunity to apply more healing cream to the dry patch on the darkest bay pony’s neck, as well as to a couple of small bald spots on her chest near her front legs.

By 16:35, all the ponies had settled in the trees in the southwest corner of the site. They quickly relaxed, clearly more comfortable in the cooler shade. The girls were happy for me to wander among them, offering each some extra strokes and rubs—and I was rewarded with plenty of affectionate nuzzles in return.

Then, a little unexpectedly, around 17:05, they began to wander back out to graze, happily munching on grass and gorse. It seemed they’d cooled off and were ready for more dinner. I said my goodbyes at 17:30, but Pandora followed me out to the main path, clearly not ready for me to leave. She enjoyed one final round of strokes before reluctantly letting me go, walking with me all the way to the cattle grid. 

The ponies were all good today.