Sunday 16th November - Pony Update - now 4 ponies on site

There are now four New Forest ponies on site at the Long Valley reserve.

Shortly after 15:10 this afternoon, Nicky brought the four ponies back to the site. Once unloaded, the girls were eager to explore their new surroundings. They immediately climbed the eastern slope of Brock’s Hill, which is looking great after the recent removal of much of the gorse. After completing a loop and returning down the side of the racecourse, they came over to say hello and happily accepted a few strokes.

After Nicky left, the ponies continued exploring calmly. They spent some time under the trees in the far southwest corner before grazing along the north and east sides of Brock’s Hill. They then crossed the path and enjoyed the plentiful grass in the pasture by the Gelvert stream. They remained very friendly, coming over for more strokes and rubs. I said my goodbyes at 16:50, by which time it was already dark, leaving them peacefully grazing. It’s wonderful to have ponies back at Long Valley.

The ponies were all good today.

Thursday 28th August - Pony Update - No ponies on the Long Valley site

Due to an unusually early and plentiful acorn crop this year, we've made the decision to temporarily relocate the ponies from the Long Valley reserve to a nearby site. Acorns are toxic to ponies, and since the girls have been actively seeking them out, this move is the safest option to protect their health.

Thank you for your continued help in looking after the ponies. We'll keep you informed about when the ponies will be returning to Long Valley.

Wednesday 27th august- none seen

Unfortunately a no show today, though I did get pictures of the water. It rained whilst I was checking; enough for me to get wet but not enough to make a meaningful difference to the ground or water levels

Tuesday 26th August - All 3 seen

The first pony emerged from the gorse to my left as I crossed the cattle grid at around noon today. Turning left on the track I found a second one down toward the chestnut tree. The first one followed me down making two but number three remained in hiding. After a walk back around the main track and over Brock's Hill I returned to the chestnut tree to find number three emerging from the thick gorse north of the gate.  All three were damp from the rain with flies on their faces but well and contentedly grazing.

Monday 25th August - All 3 seen

As I was passing by Long Valley, I stopped off to spend a little extra time with the ponies due to the Bank Holiday.

At 16:00 this afternoon, the ponies were grazing contentedly in the warm sunshine to the east of Brock's Hill. They were very friendly, each coming over in turn to say hello and enjoy long neck and back rubs. The girls were especially affectionate, offering gentle nuzzles, cuddles, and the occasional lick. Encouragingly, the lumps and bumps on the ponies looked less pronounced today. All three appeared happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

After our greetings, they returned to grazing but stayed close by, frequently coming back for more attention. As it got warmer, they gradually moved into the shade, using the gorse bushes for cover. By 16.25, they had crossed the path and made their towards the bushes near ///ripen.frog.secret, where they enjoyed the long grass and various leaves in the cool shade.

A little later, Pandora wandered deeper into the thicket, reaching the racecourse fence line, where she began foraging for acorns. In all the time we've had ponies at Long Valley, this is the first time I've seen them seeking out acorns, which are poisonous due to their high tannin content. Fortunately, it appeared she only found a few before following me back to the others, who were still munching on the long grass among the bushes at the edge of the pasture. Hopefully, she quickly realises there are far better things to eat, but this will need monitoring closely to prevent it from becoming a problem.

I said my goodbyes at 16:45, leaving them all grazing peacefully.

The ponies were all good today.

Mon 25 Aug, all 3 seen at the base of Brock Hill

All looked fine and grazing happily

Sunday 24th August - All 3 seen

At 18:10 this evening, after a long search, I found the ponies grazing in the pasture near ///craft.listening.princes, over in the northeast section of the site. They were very friendly, each taking turns to come over to greet me and enjoy plenty of stokes and rubs. I noticed a few small lumps and bumps on their sides, likely from insect bites, but they didn't appear to be causing any discomfort.

After a while, the ponies returned to grazing, happily munching on long grass and browsing the leaves of nearby bushes. One by one, they came back over to spend time with me, thoroughly enjoying long neck and back rubs, and rewarding me with affectionate cuddles and gentle nuzzles. All three looked happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

I said my goodbyes shortly before 19:30, leaving them peacefully grazing. As I walked away, they began to follow but were soon distracted by a large patch of long grass, where they stopped to eat.

Fresh drinking water was available near the fire hydrant sign and in the surrounding area where it trickles into. The supply has returned to normal levels after being reduced for a few days. The pond still had water too, but the ponies continue to prefer drinking from the hydrant.

The ponies were all good today.