All the ponies have been to Occombe farm for a Pony Fun Day, since our last update. We had lovely weather, as ordered, and met some super people with friends, both new and old turning up. All the ponies and volunteers went home tired and we hope, happy.

We have just been to Widecombe Fair and had a great time in a monsoon, up to our knees in glutinous mud. Shouldn’t moan really, the sun came out as we were packing up to go home. We took Golden Flame and George with us, they stayed in the trailer watching us through the open back doors while we put up the display tent. We then put up their pen and brought them out. They watched, with great interest, all the goings on. Once they had got used to the activity around them they settled down to doing what they do best, eating. All the vehicles had to be pulled onto the site through the mud by enormous tractors, which ran by the pen, so we stayed in the pen with them to start with. They soon lost interest in the vehicular activity and concentrated on the people who came to see them. More about Occombe and of this saga in the next newsletter.

All the ponies are in fine health and are coming into their winter coats. They have put on weight during the summer, but, this will help to see them through the worst of the weather. The farrier has been since the last update and treated each one to a pedicure!! This week’s task is to see that all the ponies are wormed, no problem as they are all so well behaved!!!

Flame is following me around and even comes to me in the field for some attention, which usually means that she is coming into season. Rolo calls out a welcome when ever he sees us arrive and comes into the paddocks for attention and to demand to be groomed. George is a well mannered and careful pony; he always seems aware of your space and knows the boundaries. Charlie now definitely needs some educating of his own. He tends to use his weight to try to get his own way and we would rather he didn’t push us around. Therefore, he will soon be off to Lorna for a taste of “Pony Bootcamp”. Where he will learn pony etiquette, manners to you and me. He is not nasty but he is heavy and he will test the boundaries to see what he can get away with.

Remember, if you can help and want a great day on Bellever in good company with a bit of work and some fun, then the following dates are for you.

16^th and 25^th October, 10am until 3pm both days. Scrub clearance at Bellever. Wear old clothing and good boots, all tools supplied. As much help as we can get will be appreciated. Telephone Dru for further details. 01626 355314.