After a very successful morning riding (Flossie happily cantering Iacs round and round the school and me teaching Haakon the new-to-him discipline of calming down and standing nicely), we took the dogs to the beach for some fresh air and a nice walk.

We noted the usual awful erosion of the sand dunes.  The sea is busy eating eat its way into the fencing and fields beyond.

BeAnne enjoyed her usual swim.

Loki did his very best not to get his feet wet.

We came upon the artist, Howard Towll, who was painting the scenery and wildlife.  His idea of wildlife was sadly not BeAnne and Loki who behaved appallingly and tramped everywhere.  This poor man.  I was mortified when BeAnne was found standing on his laid out sketchbook.  It now has added pawprints.

We apologised profusely and ran away feeling very ashamed of Loki and BeAnne.  Such behaviour – they do know better, honest.

The seaside was teaming with birds.

There was more art to be found, probably left over from a previous sunny day.

Mr and Mrs Bonxie (The Great Skuas) were gliding and hovering menacingly above us.  They can mean serious business and will take lambs, puffins, anything they can steal.  They are not called the “aggressive pirate of the seas” for nothing.

It was a lovely walk, full of contrasts (as well as grovelling apoligies to the artist).

We were enjoying ourselves very much, when suddenly a swarm of folk arrived (ok 2) and we decided it was just too full for us, too much like Brighton Beach.

Do you think we’ve become spoilt?

“This is a first – I’ve never ridden an Icelandic horse before”

“He’s very good, but I think it’s because you told him there would be a carrot at the end for him”.

(trying to sneak some hay that was drying – oh, the disgrace and shame!)

“I didn’t tell him not to before he did it, so it is probably my own fault”.

“I look like a proper rider!”

“They feel like a big horse but when you dismount, you realise they are much smaller. They don’t feel short when you’re actually riding”.

“I love his canter. It’s so smooth, comfortable and easy.  You don’t even notice when he’s doing it”.

“If he folds up really small, he’ll fit in my suitcase, won’t he?”

“I want to take him home with me”.

“I think he has perfect manners.”

“He has just got such a kind face”.

Well done Iacs – another convert!

Flossie and I went on our usual dog walk today.  This time Lambie and Bert followed because they think they are dogs.

As Lambie was very eager to come too, I let them both follow.  It seemed mean to say no.

Lambert was a bit slower and dawdled at the back, humming a little song to himself.

But, when I whistled, he came running after us to catch up.

The neighbours were aghast at the sight two sheep going for a walk.  I think this was a first for them.

After the track, we went on the road, which is flat and safe for my back, and you could see cars slow down or stop to take a second look.

(I am sure they were arguing about whether they had seen either a dalmatian dog or a spotty sheep going for a walk with some dogs and people).

Flossie, of course, took it all in her stride.  As my daughter, she is used to my ridiculous ideas and mostly happily goes along with them.

We reached the cattlegrid and turned round – we would be going onto another crofter’s land.

Loki enjoyed his walk, ignoring his associates (I will not call them his friends), put up a few rabbits and happily mooched through the ditches along the side of the road.

And so wended our way home.  We walked nearly 2 miles.  The wind was blowing hard and against us all the way home so we struggled at times. Despite this, everyone battled valiantly on regardless.

If you are worried about the thought of dogs or sheep for that matter, on the road, everyone knows what to do and either goes to the side or runs to stand by me.

I have the car today (flute lesson) so I took the opportunity to go and see my little Icelandic boy, Hjalti.  When I arrived, I saw that everyone was at the top of the hill in their enormous field.

So I struggled up to the top, huge camera in hand and found two little boys.

This is Hjalti’s new best friend, a Shetland gelding (not mine) who is now in residence.

Hetja is very happy with this arrangement and leaves the little boys to play all day, but she does keep an eye out.

The little Shetland gelding is very friendly and hopefully he will teach Hjalti how to talk and make friends too.

Hjalti is remains aloof but interested in everything going on with or without him.

It was lovely to see the boys play, though.  Hjalti has been desperate for a friend for a long time. We were all very sad when the Shetland mare and foal did not work out.

This one, however, seems just the right size.

So this morning, I suggested to my remaining daughter, Flossie, that we would go for a ride (if she wanted).

As Iacs needed shoes, it was not fair to ride him so I thought Flossie would be fine on Klaengur as we would just be plodding up the road and down again.

Sadly, Klaengur had other ideas and was a berk.  He was all fast and scary and, as he raced past me, I grabbed him and Floss got off looking visibly shocked.  I felt awful. I had made a bad decision and I didn’t want to put her off riding.

Bless her, Flossie still wanted to go out, so I bunged her on Haakon, gave him “The Look” and we went out with me on Klaengur who was obviously on mind-altering bouncy drugs.

Floss had lost her nerve after the Klaengur debacle so I told her to hold onto the pommel of the saddle with one hand and the reins with the other.  Haakon plodded like a beach donkey carrying raw eggs.  I love that horse.  He always knows.

We came home with a smile on our faces and Floss’ confidence restored.

After a restorative lunch, we went to see Klaengur and the others in their field.

BeAnne discovered a rabbit hole that needed excavation.

The Minions were bewitched and stood watching a professional Patterdale terrier at work!

If they investigated a bit too much, a Monster From the Deep would appear to tell them off!

Meanwhile, Flossie and Klaengur were talking..

She explained to him that his behaviour was scary…..

And that it had upset and frightened her….

… and then they made friends again.

The Monster From The Deep went for a swim, ….

…… Had a shake.

And returned to her usual beautiful (?) self.