All the ponies are in good health and are busy growing their winter coats; they seem to be quite rotund but it is all their winter covering. When we arrive at the centre they come galloping in to see us even if they are in the far field. This tells us that the grass is no longer filling them up. We have started giving them hay and regular minerals and they seem to be enjoying the extras. They don’t mind the mix of weather we are having at the moment and are coping well with the lower temperatures. Although, they look particularly sorry for themselves when it is raining cats and dogs; backs to the wind and all hunched up. They could always shelter in the protection offered by the forest which skirts their fields but they choose not to. However, when they hear the buckets clanking they are galvanised into action and the weather is forgotten.

We are still handling them and walking them around the farm so that they do not forget the lessons given to them and to reinforce that when they are working then the handler is the boss. Charlie tests the boundaries in a casual way by just using his weight and his schooling can’t come soon enough. Boss, Rolo and George are good to work with and you can anticipate their next move, their behaviour is predictable and this makes working with them enjoyable to everyone. Golden Flame is still in an affectionate mood and works well around the farm and in the forest. She needs to know that you will look after her and she will trust you to do so.

The centre is now closed for the winter, with the exception of the days published for adopters to see their pony; so that we can rest fields and the paddocks and also continue with repairs and general maintenance. We will keep you up to date with the antics and health of the ponies via this website and in the newsletter.

Don’t forget to come and see us at Christmas, see all the ponies and meet the volunteers and put faces to the various names.