Friday 6th February - All 8 seen - The upright fence post at the racecourse cut-through would benefit from being driven further into the ground.

At 15:10 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing and foraging for acorns along the side of the racecourse near the cut-through. They were all wet from the earlier rain. The girls were very friendly, taking turns to come over and join me on the path for strokes and rubs. They seemed pleased to have the rain brushed from their backs and sides, and their coats ruffled to help them dry more quickly. All the ponies were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

After our initial greetings, the ponies drifted back to browsing in the nearby gorse or continued foraging for acorns. I was never without company, and they thoroughly enjoyed long neck, ear, and back scratches. They were very affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles and cuddles in return. When a couple of heavier showers passed through, they all gathered around me under the trees and bushes to shelter.

By 16:20, the ponies had moved to graze among the gorse bushes beside the path up Brock’s Hill, before heading onto the flatter, open ground nearby. They continued to return regularly for more fuss, clearly enjoying the attention.

I said my goodbyes at 16:55, leaving them grazing peacefully as another heavy shower moved through.

I also noted that the upright fence post at the front of the racecourse cut-through has become loose again and can be wiggled. It would benefit from being driven further into the ground during the next staff visit to secure it properly.

The ponies were all good today.