Friday 16th January - All 8 seen

At 14:15, the ponies were browsing gorse on both sides of the path at the foot of the hill near the corner by the racecourse. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. The girls were happy, relaxed, and looking well. The two youngsters are starting to lose a bit of condition, and we’ll be monitoring them closely.

After our initial greetings, the ponies returned to grazing among the gorse but continued to wander over individually for more attention. They leaned in for long neck and shoulder rubs, offering gentle nuzzles and the sweetest cuddles in return. Many still had matted coats from the recent rain, but gentle back rubs helped smooth them out. They also seemed pleased to have loose gorse brushed from their backs and removed from their manes and tails.

Gradually, the ponies moved up the slope toward the path leading to Brock’s Hill, drifting into the denser gorse to graze. They continued to return regularly for more strokes and rubs, with several enjoying long back scratches as they ate.

I said my goodbyes just after 16:00, leaving the ponies contentedly grazing about halfway up Brock’s Hill.

The fence at the cut-through onto the racecourse continues to hold up well.

The same family I saw on Sunday came looking for the ponies again today, arriving about halfway through my visit and making their way over from the racecourse. The ponies were either too busy nibbling gorse or enjoying strokes to approach them. When the family saw me with the ponies, they continued on their way.

The ponies were all good today.