We couldn’t find the Minions so reckoned they were at the “Top of the World” part of their field.  Bravely (the ice is very nasty) we drove up the hill to find them.

We were right. There they were.  Noseys through the gate waiting for their carrot.

It’s a skill.  Honestly if they could beg, they would!

It is lovely at the Top of the World.

Everyone looked very pretty.

And it reminded me that I need to come with my brushes and do something with them. I don’t know what really – probably wave them about a bit. I am not good at brushing or housework, funnily enough. Not my thing.

How much should I charge for kisses from Newt?  A million pounds?

Outside is very beautiful but hard work. The waterpipes are freezing and everyone needs feeding all the time (it feels like).

Meanwhile, back at home, Taktur has something on his nose and no one wants to say anything because that would be rude, but really someone should.  It will probably be Iacs!

It was a beautiful calm Shetland winter’s day.  Just stunning.  Blue sky, crisp sparkly ground covered in more snow.

Monster was in his element.  Now you see him…..

And now you don’t!

What cat?

There is no cat!

But I did see the boys lying down and enjoying the sunshine.  Their coats felt very warm despite the snow.  Taktur was lying down with his sons and heirs, while Kappi was separate in the feeding area.

Taktur and Hjalti were together.

Dreki was nearby.

All snoozing gently.

It was very peaceful and I am glad they were relaxing.  We have had some filthy weather and I am sure it is very wearing all round.

The bottom lip of total relaxation was out.  You can almost hear the snoring.

Almost…… Hjalti was trying to not fall alseep.  Trying so very hard.

He gave in.

Now where did I leave that cat?  Who knows.

Over to Leradale in the snow this afternoon (driving OH’s teensy-weensy eggbox 4×4 car that makes a funny noise).

We were warmly greeted.

Mother and daughter.  So alike in many ways and then suddenly all I can see is a young female Taktur.

While Flossie distributed carrots to the higher echelons, I played a quick game of Spot the Pony.

We will start with the easy ones – five here.

And three here. It’s getting harder now.

More snow was looming but, as ever, Leradale was very atmospheric and beautiful.

Flossie bravely marched into the throng to fairly dish out her carrots while Storm came up to see if I had anything better, like, you know, a whole bar of chocolate or a cake.

i didn’t so he had to do with a nose kissey (and wait for Floss’ return with his share of carrotitude as she is completely 100% fair).

Storm enjoyed some salt lick with Lilja who was hopping about trying to get my attention.

Tiddles arrived and looked wonderful in the dismal winter sunshine.

More carrots and now the rest deigned to follow Flossie.

It was beyond freezing.  We didn’t not stay long.  We wanted to but it really was very cold.

You can see that despite being wet on the outside, no one is actually soaked through, so I am not worried.  Shetland ponies are doing what Shetland ponies are supposed to do in winter – look for food and lose some of their summer weight, please.

Floss and I walked back up the hill to be met by two fat ladies.  Both are fairly hefty but Brá is possibly now officially ginormous.  There is no doubt they are both pregnant.  No doubt at all.

It has been snowing again, last night and we had a good blizzard this morning.

These are the Icelandic horses eating their morning silage afterwards.

I love seeing the boys covered in snow and looking so unphased about it too.

It is like they were built for snow which, oh wait, they totally are!

I love the patterns the snow makes on their coats. Like a knight’s armour or a giraffe print – you choose.

Everyone was totally oblivious to the minus temperatures of cold this morning and just happily went on munching fuelling their incredibly efficient internal central heating system.

(Iacs’ little teddy bear ear(s) are the very definition of awwwww)

Klængur was eating his breakfast by himself like a good boy.  We have had some good work out of him recently.  His brain has calmed down, which is all good.  Regular training seems to be the answer and also I don’t take prisoners or tolerate fools even slightly.

The “Chrysanthemum” bottom.

Efstur is at the salt lick.  They are all making in-roads into it, which means they need it.

And, as you can see, Dreki is just as beautiful as his sister, Lilja.  Those eyes are to melt for.

Later, as the daylight was going, we let them all into their favourite field which they happily charged down.

Floss and I went to feed carrots to the two herds that live outwith Thordale, our croft.

Lilja, our Icelandic filly, was very happy to see us.  She left what she was doing (chatting to the Minions) and happily  followed the bag of carrots Flossie was carrying.

The Shetland ponies were all lined up at the fence trying to look either thin or hungry.

From the left – Waffle, Storm, Newt, Tiddles, Vitamin, Albie, Fivla and Silver.

Carrots were for the Icelandic mares first.  Floss was on carrot duty.  I had the camera.

All eyes were on the Keeper of the Carrots.

After the Icelandics, it was the Shetland ponies’ turn.  I told Floss that I wanted them away from the adjoining fence.  It is Lilja’s spell once again.  She is always trying to hang around with the Minions and keep them close so they don’t go and eat.

Floss was sensible and walked with her bribery into the hill and everyone duly followed.

They have to cross a little stream – this is the best place.

And Floss walked and they cantered beside her to keep up.

They walked high up into the hill.

They did stop eventually and were given their share of carrots and then Floss walked down the hill, leaving them in a nice place to graze.

Of course, the ponies were watched very carefully and no doubt Lilja started shouting to them and no doubt they all came straight back the minute we had gone.  They do that.

But Lilja is very magical and special.  I can see why.  We are all under her spell.