Friday 6th March - All 8 seen

At 11:30 this morning, the ponies were resting on both sides of the track north of Brock’s Hill. When I first approached, Tilly was stretched out on her side, but was happy to receive some strokes. After a short while, she sat up for a neck scratch before getting to her feet. She was very affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles and cuddles. The other ponies soon started to wander over, keen to say hello and enjoy some strokes and rubs. The dun pony had a good roll on the soft, muddy grass before coming over to greet me.

After our initial greetings, the ponies alternated between resting and grazing nearby. They took turns coming over for more attention, enjoying long neck and back scratches. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

There were a few spots of rain at times, but shortly after 12:35 the rain started in earnest. I wandered over to the main entrance to grab a jacket, and the ponies all followed, waiting for me on the path by the cattle grid. After another round of strokes and rubs, and despite the rain, the girls moved into the pasture to the northeast to graze. Most moved into the gorse bushes along the fence line, but would regularly return to spend some time with me. By 13:05 the rain had become even heavier, and I said my goodbyes, leaving them grazing but hoping they would wander off and find some proper shelter.

The ponies were all good today.