I have been lacking a plan with the Shetland ponies.  I couldn’t see the wood for the trees, which is quite an achievement here in Shetland!

So my good friend, Monika, from Sandness Equine Services came over to help.  She could see my set-up and made an excellent suggestion to fence off a small bit of the adjoining field which could be increased as winter went on.  This means the ponies have access to the containers as well as a little grazing.

Newt, Silver and Waffle watched on with interest while we worked.

We decided on two strings of fence this time.  My trust in the ponies, like the last fence, is completely broken.

And then we let them out.

And then we got Fivla and Vitamin, as they are now fine.

There’s not a huge amount of grazing and the ponies will only have access to it during daylight hours.  Them’s the new rules.

And back in the big shed, I had to go and apologise to the last three – Storm, Tiddles and Albie who looked on or listened to the sounds of munching and complained bitterly.

So that’s the winter plan.  A huge thank you to Monika for giving me guidance.  I needed it.  As far I was concerned, everyone was going to stay inside all winter.

Meanwhile, a small wee dug managed to go a-visiting while we were fence building.  She came home eventually after I hollered and taxi-whistled (two fingers in my mouth which is useful for stopping London taxis) for her.