Golden Flame, Rolo, George and Boss came back from the Jubilee Challenge and showed no signs of any stress or even tiredness. Even so, we rested them over the following days and observed how they settled back into their routines.
We are still learning about the ponies and their comfort zones and how they react to certain conditions that may stimulate a reaction. Fortunately they are so “laid back” that, if they can see or hear the perceived threat, they do not seem to worry. Brimpts seems to be on the flight path to the firing ranges on Dartmoor and recently a fighter jet went over so low I swear that I could see the pilot laughing. The noise came after the plane had gone over and I thought the world was about to end. I was elevated some distance from the ground and on descending, as a quivering wreck, I saw that there five equine heads, all eating, watching me as if to say we heard that coming ages ago; why didn’t you?
Golden Flame is in her best summer dress and looks amazing, she has lost a little bit of her adequate waistline and she even enjoys being groomed now without the battle to catch her. We must be careful what she eats as she leans towards weight increase very easily.
George has assumed his position as the herd good looker. His summer coat is stunning, being a very light bay with a black mane, tail and lower legs. He knows how good he looks and prances around the field displaying his paces.
Charlie still stands on the wall waiting for the fence to fall down, but, I’m afraid he is out of luck. He seems to have realised that he is the biggest pony and at times can treat the others with disdain. With us he is amazingly gentle and thoroughly enjoys his grooming sessions.
Rolo has come into his summer coat and very dapper he is too. He has the advantage of youth and is super slim and lithe and seems to be able to eat what ever he wants. He has now discovered that if he rears up on his hind legs he can eat the leaves from the lower branches of the tree in the paddock. He has taken to his work very well and enjoys the company of people.
Boss and Annie are living with the adoption ponies and are welcome additions. Boss forms part of our educational programmes and his name belies his gentle nature. He works as a pack–pony and is completely trustworthy with all age groups. Annie is maturing with “The Hooligans” as she is still not quite twelve months old. She is losing her foal coat and has a super gentle nature, adoring attention. She will make a wonderful friend to a small child.
Starlight has settled well into life on Bellever and is seen regularly. She is wandering the whole of the enclosed area with the ponies living there. She acknowledges our presence when we see her but chooses to stay with the group she is in; which is how we want it to be.