The ponies are all going into their winter coats now. They have lost the shine and gloss and the outer hairs are lengthening and getting thicker. They are all starting to look like big cuddly teddy bears!

This time we will start with Rolo; has developed into a very good looking Heritage Pony. However, Joy is threatening to take scissors to his fetlocks as he’s growing thick feathers and starting to resemble a carthorse. But we like his long fluffy bits. He’s very easy going and quiet for one so young. He adores visitors and going to meet people off the farm.

Golden Flame went through a period when her authority was challenged. This has now been restored and she is in supreme command. She has mellowed and become very affectionate and will call to us if we don’t go to her when we arrive. She, typically, is carrying condition into winter. She seems to get fat thinking about good grazing. She has been working hard with walks and going with us on most of our visits away.

George has developed into an outstandingly good looking Heritage Pony and he knows it. He will prance around the paddock showing off his gaits and his superb coat. He is surely a dandy of the pony world.

Charlie, bless him, just stands and watches George and then carries on in his own sweet way. He has developed into a big strong pony but he still loves attention and to be groomed. Charlie tends to go in straight lines and will think nothing of barging his way through and for this he is corrected and shown that even ponies need manners. He is not the sharpest tool in the box and can get himself into all sorts of predicaments. He is always first to come when we call them.

Starlight, what a conundrum this pony is, she is not comfortable around adults but she absolutely dotes on children, the smaller the better. Recently a tiny person (no names no pack-drill) waddled over to the fence near to her and she virtually went down on her knees to put her face next to the child and she did not move from the tiny fingers poking her. I don’t think I breathed for about four minutes. I think the decision has been made to send her to the stallion. She is a very pretty mare and we hope she gives us a lovely foal.

DPHT Pack Ponies at the centre but not for adoption.

Blue is a little more wary and does like some space round him, although once in work mode is fantastic. He is a big strong pony and well suited as a pack pony and fits very well into our Pony Power programme for schools. We left a flat bed trailer in his field earlier in the month; he promptly jumped up on to it and looked at the others as if to say I'm king of the castle and you lot can take the orders from me!  All our ponies have a great sense of fun, just perfect for children and building confidence.

Frosty, he too is a nice big strong pony but he loves to be the centre of attention. He excelled himself on the recent visit of the blind children where he was so gentle and patient with all that was going on around him. Completely trustworthy and a boon for all our training sessions with both adults and children of all abilities.