Happy smiley faces greeted us this morning, so we gave them their breakfast, put rugs on those that needed them, and threw everyone out together into a nearby field.  It would be easy to get them back inside later if they were close by and also together.

Kolka decided she wanted to be with the Shetland ponies, as did Vitamin and Fivla.  They were very pleased to see their friends again.

Iacs and Haakon grumbled off muttering something about not wanting to mix with the riff-raff but I knew there would be no arguing or fighting as really they all know each other very well.  There was something very nice seeing them all in a field together.  It seemed right.

I thought the sheep would all vote for a “Duvet Day”, but no, they ate their breakfast(s) and then the whole flock decided to go outside.

I didn’t say no. Fresh air, even with a “Real Feel” of minus 12, is good for everyone I am assured.

I left their field gate open so, if the weather got worse, they had a choice to go back to bed.  They did their own thing all day and I only saw them coming home again late afternoon.  All eight so no sleepless night.

And, just before it got dark, we opened up the shed and shouted.  Ten horses and ponies came inside.  Waffle was the only one who had an independent thought and refused to be caught, preferring to raid all the feed buckets first.  Little sod.  I cornered him on the trot, rugby tackled a headcollar on him and led him back to his better-behaved friends.  Knowing they are all tucked up for the night and not having to cope with this horrendous weather outside is a great comfort to me.