I can’t understand how little the Shetland ponies can live off.  It is basically fresh air.

Their field upsets me now. There is nothing in it. If I saw this, I would report it to the authorities, desperate that they should do something for the poor, poor ponies who live there.  My ponies. My field and this is what is needed to get them to a) stay alive and b) possibly lose some weight.  This is on veterinary instruction too.

(Newt is only slightly bigger than the poo pile! – I clear up daily so at least the field is “clean”.)

The Shetland ponies only have access to this field for six hours a day.

By 3 p.m., they are all waiting by the gate asking to come into the paddock for something to eat.  A bowl of nothing and then a specific amount of soaked hay.

And apparently this is all a Shetland pony needs to live off for 24 hours.  I never thought I would keep ponies like this but here I am realising it is the only way to keep them alive and, God forbid, even healthy.

I am also trying to open up a small part of the track so they can live on it in Spring/Summer but not get laminitis.  Rather than give them the whole track, they get a new section of almost nothing once a week.

This is the next section.  If they can get fat on that, then I give up.  I am suprisingly staying strong!

It was windy today – a spring equinoctal gale, which apparently is not a thing but I can tell you it was very windy.  Along with my trusted companion (*** cough ***, yer right – tis the season for buggering off after rabbits when she thinks no one is watching), I struggled with my three buckets across the hill to feed the Icelandic horses.

I watched while “Trusted Companion” did her usual clearing up.

I decided to let everyone brave the gale and oncoming rain without rugs as they are all hairy and fat enough.  Even Iacs.

However, I did rug up Fivla and Vitamoobag because there is less shelter where they are and they get very miserable in bad weather.

Later on, when I was outside, I couldn’t find them anywhere and was pleased to see them in this paddock as so far they have refused to go near it.

The rain had started and it was unforgiving but the rugs did their job and when I brought the old ladies inside later in the afternoon, I found they were completely bone-dry underneath.  I also think that by rugging up Vitamin and Fivla they felt more like eating rather than standing around looking unhappy.

And it is nice and warm inside, apparently.

Pepper will talk to anyone.  She loves everyone.  No exception, though they might not love her.

Later on in the morning, I took the dogs out for a walk. It was very windy but sunny.

In the huge field, we found all the sheep sitting or grazing together.  All nine.

Of course Dahlia and Gus-Gus came racing over.

I found a suitable bottom-shaped rock and sat down to chat to anyone who wanted to come up.

Even Lambie came and talked to me (is it my birthday? I don’t think so).  I was very surprised.

Pepper was close by while Ted stayed a little way away.  He is sensible.

Dahlia was not kind to Pepper.

But I love this.  Pepper deliberately afterwards went to sit by Lambie – I think she felt safe next to him.

I love how Lambie doesn’t mind Pepper either and no, Lambie is not going to abort (a bloody miracle if he is in lamb), and yes, it is my land and yes, they are my sheep – if you are wondering and about to criticise me – the internet trolls, sorry experts, are out there, loud and proud.

Gussie, who always wears his food, followed us on this dogwalk.  Dahlia also came too.

It was nice to spend time with the sheep.  Winter prevents this as everything is too wet to sit on.

I am so fed up of trolls.  Perhaps they will stop guarding their rickety bridge.

Some days, and they are rare, I can’t think of anything to write.  This is one of them but here are today’s photos ….

Iacs eating his extra-special with added barley rings breakfast as I am worried about his weight.

Haakon eating his, complete with a small vacuum attachment.

I am not worried about Haakon one bit.

Today is the Spring Equinox.  My most favourite day in the calendar when I tell myself that things can only get better, i.e. warmer and lighter.  Roll on Spring and possibly even Summer, please.

Breakfast (theirs and mine) done and I went back into the field to poo-pick, which I hope is making a difference to the field.

Waffle had to investigate my poo-bucket.  Of course, he did.  That’s what Waffles do.

And then I found a duck on the outside table because that is what happens in my life.

A place where ducks live on tables.

And then indoors to see Monster doing that stretching toe thing.  Ooof.

I told you I had run out of words.

Today was Ted’s three monthly hair appointment but I had to go to Turriefield to pack vegetables so I asked OH if he minded taking Ted to Scalloway.

OH felt Ted needed a brush before he had his hair-do while I felt it was a bit like washing the dishes before you put them in the dish-washer.

But Pepper was very upset without Ted and desperately wanted to come too when I was leaving for Turriefield so I decided to take her, thinking it would be good practice for her to learn to stay quietly in the car by herself.

Before I started work, we went for a lovely walk on Sandness beach.

We had it completely to ourselves, which was perfect.

Pepper ran up and down exploring everything.

And I took photos.

And then I drove up to Turriefield, cracked the windows and told Pepper to stay quietly and be a good girl.  She also had her car harness on so couldn’t go anywhere.

I packed vegetables for two hours, constantly popping outside to check on Pepper.

She was ok, enjoying looking out, sometimes resting, mostly not but safe.

And once we had finished, I asked if anyone minded if I let Pepper out of the car. She had a quick mooch around and then we went home.

Ted was already home complete with his new “do”.  Ever so smart.

And Pepper spent her afternoon spark out while I stabbed away at felting a sheep for the shops.  I must say that I was very impressed with Pepper.  She behaved beautifully all day and I am really glad I took her with me.  My perfect companion.