August 2008 Pony Updates.

Well, I bought the plans off the computer and I have nearly finished the Ark. The rainfall at and around Brimpts for July into August was astounding, I am not even going to mention the exact figures; you don’t need a degree to see how bad it has been.

The ponies have stood out in it all and steadfastly refused shelter. They have all been seen by the farrier and had their hooves trimmed where necessary. The paddocks have been cleared by cattle and new grass is showing.

They have all been trying out their apple bobbing techniques in the water trough and believe it or not little Annie can do it while the others just get frustrated. She has learned to push the apple piece into a corner and then pick it up. Charlie and Rolo just try to stomp it with their front hooves. George needs encouragement, his nature is not as adventurous as the others and he will stay back and let others go first. Boss just tries brute force to catch one and fails. Golden Flame, well, it is beneath her to be seen even attempting such trivial things, she leaves things that are so demeaning to her minions.

Starlight is having the time of her life on Bellever with her new friend who has been named Nutmeg. She wanders as free as the wind checking up on us every now and then. All the ponies on Bellever are doing well and are in good condition.

We do have one problem on Bellever and that is people are propping the self-closing gates open despite our signs asking them to keep the gates closed. When permanently open it allows other animals, including cattle, to get onto Bellever and we are only permitted a certain number of animals onto the grazing so we then have to round up the strays and remove them. On 1000 acres, this is no a small task. Please, if you are in Bellever and one of our SIGNED gates is open we would be grateful if you would close it, thank you.

Through all the bad weather we have endured this, I hesitate to say it, summer; the ponies have all been well and have enjoyed seeing the visitors we have had. We now move into the season of hard work, shows, fairs and visits. We start on the 30^th August with a day at Occombe farm, details are in the newsletter and on our web site. Come along and see us and meet the ponies they will all be there as will the volunteers and our esteemed leader, Dru.