We brought Efstur and Hjalti into the indoor school for a checkup and to see how they are getting on.

Obviously I spend time with them every day, but it is always good to have a second opinion – then I know if everything is going ok.

Well, little Efstur is growing like a weed – a darling boy going through the yearling giraffe-phase.  Funny to think that this time last year, Efstur was still in his mummy’s tummy.  How on earth did he fit?

Efstur’s main aim in life is to do “The Right Thing”.  There is no malice in him.  Such a little trier, too.

While Efstur was cantering, trotting, walking and tölting around the school, I could see he knew his legs could go in all these strange gaits but he didn’t actually know how, as they seemed to have a mind of their own!  Most confusing.

Hjalti is blossoming.  His incredibly big trot is jaw-droppingly gorgeous!  He is also showing tölt too and hopefully all this will come together when his time comes to be trained – probably when he is 4 years old.  We will see where his head is first.  But he is a nice strong lad and very easy to work with.

Now, this is a sight I love to see.

Haakon, the head of the herd, aged 23 years old, playing with the youngest of the herd, aged not even 1 year old.

And the best bit?  Haakon lets Efstur play back. It is not all one-sided or bullying. It is a game between two very different-in-age horses because Efstur loves playing and Haakon will teach him how to do it properly.

And that is how horses learn best.  Through other horses.

It is snowing, fer cryin’ out loud.  This is the end of April.  Come on!  Bring me spring and some green grass.  We need it.

This is not something that cheers me up.  In fact, I worry.  Lambing is upon us and this kind of weather can often create tragedy.

Anywho, moving swiftly on.  It is a someone’s second birthday.  Darling Lambie is 2 years old today – hurrah!

And doesn’t he know it.  If I shout “whose birthday is it?”, there is a Lambie answer, bless, him.  He shouts back “Me”.

Lambie has spent most of the day coming in and out of the house (OH is working on another island, phew, saying nothing!)

Lambie is very over-excited at the moment (it could be the extra bisquits).

He will get his proper present tomorrow – when we go to town – The Big L.  Not sure what it will be, but I will know when I see it and yes, I did sing Happy Birthday to him.

Everyone joined in the spirit of the celebration.  Awww.

So happy birthday, Lambie. You have made it this far.  Here is to many, many more years.  He is a sheep who has changed my life.

Loki and Wussums’ bro-mance is still going well.

(I wish this photo had been better as Wu is smiling so sweetly at Loki)

One mile-long cat.

So, today the weather forecast was saying it was going to rain and rain and rain.

But Kappi needed his exercise (all part of his training) and Daisy wanted company.

I went along too on Klængur – aww, he is just so orange and he behaved beautifully.  He is very fun to ride.

It was a good fast training ride and we tölted forever.

Next up, was Taktur.  He is now back in work and so Daisy rode her dreamy black stallion.

I rode Haakon.  Again, it was a lovely ride out – different, though, mostly walk with a quick canter up the track to let off steam. Taktur was very happy to back in work again and to be going out past some ladies!  He looked very handsome.

The rain began, as promised, and so I have had a lazy Sunday afternoon playing with my camera.

Sitting at my desk on my laptop this morning, I glanced up to look out of the window.

(gosh that window needs a good clean – inside and out – one of these days – Mañana, mañana)

Delia and her two small charges, Albie and Newt, had taken up residence in Lambie’s little house-and-garden.  I had given them an alfalfa block to play with.

(If you are wondering who those bobbly things are on my windowsill, I shall explain – they are ‘Bert, ‘Ster and Lambie made for me by a very clever friend).  My own little “legitimate” indoor Boyzenberries!)

A little later, I looked up again – Is there anything better than a little fuzzy Shetland pony butt in your line of vision?

I mean, seriously, is there?  All 26″ (Newt has grown) of it.

After lunch, this was the view from the kitchen window.

Everyone had moved around the tiny garden and Delia was now baby-sitting while the little ones rested in the sleet/snow/rain (the weather is very cold today but yet they all prefer to lie outside when they have a lovely hay-filled shed).

She is such a good old lady.

A real friend in a dragony-give-me-my-food-now way!

Albie woke up when I tried to creep around him to take a good photo.

Newt was more laid back about things.  Oof, I love the way he sits with his hooves all tucked up out of sight.

They both are very kissy boys.

Later, I came home from the daily Lyradale visit to find the little ones were now hoovering up the spilled silage next to the big ones’ field.

Not long boys, not long!

I just wish the weather would warm up.  Grow grass, grow.

This is my daily task – I refuse to say chore (because it isn’t something I mind doing).

The water in Hetja and Brá‘s field has dried up. Apparently, it always does this time of year.

But, no worries, every day, I take about 50 litres of fresh water and put it in their buckets.

Pregnant ladies need fresh water.

They also have a mineral lick (no sugar) bucket which they make regular in-roads into.

This is their second bucket this winter.

The girls are doing very well.  Soon they will be moved – just got to finish the second silage bale at home, move everyone and then they can come home.

Brá has “that” look.  The pregnant and I am now really fed-up look.

Hetja loves being pregnant.  You would barely know.  She could’ve just done very well this winter (please God let there be a foal in there and not a massive diet looming).

I did the other daily routine –  small carrot piece offered and given, headcollar on with no fuss, gooby eyes wiped, leftover carrot received as reward for this immense task.  Let’s just say we are getting there and Brá trusts me enough to do this.

Pregnancy suits Hetja (and it is only now I notice she is sticking her tongue out!)

Les Minions are all fine. Today was not their day to be hugged.  Just counted.

And Daddy?  He is back in work and doing very well.

I made this video as an experiment.

Can i just say that lugging all this water is killing my back.  Just sayin’.