Have we seen the last of this winter? The question I ask myself each morning. The snowdrops are proudly displaying in the hedgerows and I eagerly await the primroses. This, Devon’s county plant, says it’s all over to me. Anyway, I digress, back to what I’m supposed to be telling you.

The ponies have wintered well and all have come through in good condition. They have had the occasional snuffle and runny nose but nothing to worry about. Their super coats have kept them in good stead and they have had constant access to hay. We have supplemented their food with extra minerals and they have had the occasional apple and carrot. Rolo, aka “The Hamster”, prefers carrots, he will walk around until his cheeks are bulging with food then he finds a corner spits them out and enjoys at his leisure. Rolo is also beginning to assert himself now; he will stand up for himself and will not be pushed off the hay. With us he is as soft as ever and usually stands at the huntsman’s gate waiting to come out. If you appear with a head collar then he and Charlie will try to put their heads in so they can come out.

They have been given access to a third field now and they are quite some distance from the adoption paddocks enjoying the grass. When we arrive and clap for them to come in, they will raise their heads but are unsure whether the grass is better than the possibility of a carrot. Sometimes it is a bit like a Mexican standoff, who will move first? When one does it is like the charge of the Light Brigade, they gallop across the fields kicking and jumping, super to watch. They arrive, sides heaving, sliding to a halt in the paddocks having enjoyed a run.

Charlie, no further mischievous behaviour to report this month, is this the quiet before the storm? He has contented himself with just eating. Bless him, he does not change, he still adores attention from anyone who will scratch his ears. George can still be found almost conjoined with Charlie. He has a more cautious temperament but is so easy and light when in work. He is utterly dependable. Golden Flame is still in charge of the younger geldings but she will show deference to Boss and they groom one another but they will not share food. Boss, as you know is not an adoption pony but he is a super animal to have at the centre. He can be a bit possessive around the hayrack but if I stand beside him he is fine and respects my presence and he does not attempt to barge through me to push the others away.

The ponies have had a bit of a rest over winter and now we are coming into the season when the educational programmes will kick in  so they will have to be brought up to fitness slowly. There are schools booked in for talks and walks in the forestry.