Well I did it.
After careful thought and consideration, I led Waffle over the hill to Hjalti and Hetja’s field.
Hjalti was hopping up and down with excitement.
Hetja was not.
She kindly let them meet over the dry stone wall.
It was love at first sight.
And then Mother muscled in, dragging her son and heir away from that nasty common little Shetland pony urchin thing.
She was having none of it. This was not good enough for her son.
But poor Hetja had not factored in Waffle’s endless charm and personality (and gorgeous smile!)
Hjalti was desperate to go and play with him.
And I wanted them to meet too. So, I stood with Hetja blocking her way so Hjalti could go and get to know Waffle without his Mum attached (and raging).
I explained to Hetja that if you let them go, they will come back, but if you don’t, when they leave, they never return.
Hjalti was a very happy little boy.
At last he had a friend to scrag.
Someone to talk to at last.
After a while, it was more than Hetja could take and she muscled back in but Cupid’s arrow was already shot.
She fired off a few warning shots to frighten Waffle.
Hjalti was desperate for her to stop. He loved his new friend.
and it was reciprocated.
He tried talking to his mum.
And she settled down a bit but then she insisted on pushing Waffle into walking in front of them for about ten minutes. I don’t know why.
Waffle ended up the other side of the old dry stone wall and Hetja calmed down.
The boys renewed their friendship.
It was interesting, though, when Hjalti returned to nurse from Hetja, she gave up trying to attack Waffle. I did tell her he would come back. Maybe it was that – she just needed to know he still needed her.
They have calmed down this afternoon so I left them to it.
So, let’s hope everything is fine tomorrow.
Wonderful story in both words and photographs. Such lovely ponies.
Baby steps – I’m betting Hetja will come around…
This could be in a children’s storybook — “The Introduction” — so nice that you captured it. Hope Waffle’s feelings aren’t hurt by Helicopter Mom. (He’s Big Boy now!)
This is such a beautiful photo essay. Thank you for sharing it.
Love the photos! Hopefully Hetja will settle soon so that Waffle and Hjalti can become proper friends.
Aw, what a wonderful story! Better than fiction. I’m so glad Hjalti has a little guy to play with. I look forward to continuing good news from that field.
Awww, what a good sport Waffle is. Too sweet.