Fivla today was last to her daily mineral/vitamin/TurmerAid bucket.

The rest had cantered down while Fivla favoured a more sedate approach.  She never hurries.

And I had saved her bucket for her so she woul have her fair share. Fivla knows this.

Fivla was a girl on a mission – just a rather slow one.

She ate far away from the others and I stood between her and any potential vultures.

Once finished, Silver joined her.

They look pretty together.

Magical, even. Very “White Horses” (a children’s tv programme that all of us, of a certain age and country who love horses, would’ve watched) and yes, I was humming the theme tune forgetting all the words.

I did my best taking photos while wishing I had my “proper” camera instead.

It was all very atmospheric and special.

Sometimes everyone has to come too when I feed the ponies.

I think it is good for the Minions to get used to the occasional white panther dropping by.

But I think food is more of a priority than Monster.

Anyway, Monster is not concerned. He is interested in nosing around…..

while trying to blend in with his environment.

Kolka, who was around hoping for table scraps, turned her attention, and possibly hunger, on Monster.

♫ “Brave Sir Robin ran away” ♫

More thorough investigations on the journey back ….

…. and a bit of a squeeze! It was touch and go at one point and I did wonder if I would have to un-stick him.

Luckily for Monster, I didn’t have to intervene but Pepper did and gently escorted him off the premises.  Meanwhile the ponies kept on eating.

We have wild ducklings in our burn (stream) that runs through all the fields.  They are very sweet and I am trying to get Pepper used to seeing the little ones around as she is a terrible bird chaser. This is not encouraged.

Meanwhile, in just about every shed there is a duck sitting on eggs. Two ducks started in the hen-house in two separate fish-boxes. They have six eggs each.

I am allowed to serve food when asked but am definitely not allowed to look.

It is Round Two for Black Ducky. The last batch didn’t hatch and, to be honest, I am not very hopeful for this lot either but she is persistently sitting there so we will see.

Then there is Penthiselea who is nesting in the sheep-shed, behind the door.  This is bad place to nest as Harrel is not helpful and drips sheep lick on any laying duck’s head while he is trying to see what they are doing.  I have removed the sheep lick and possibly may have to remove Harrel too.

This duck decided to nest between the boards in the indoor riding school.  She is very polite and comes out for food occasionally, letting me know when she is ready to go back to her eggs. I am hopeful for her.  She has made a proper nest and seems to know what she’s doing.

This is Mr Ducky who is responsible for all this nesting.

And then lastly there is who I think is Penthiselea’s mother. She is in the little hen-house. She seems very comfortable there.  I have no idea how many, if any, eggs she is sitting on.  She has just begun her sit-on.

I guess it is that time of year and I do like little ducky-wuckies. They are so cute and fluffy but only for about five minutes.

And the seggies (yellow flag irises) have just come out too.

Yesterday evening, on my last walk round, I found two little ponies hogging the little shed.

And they wouldn’t let Albie inside.

I could see Waffle and Tiddles happily colluding with each other.  Shameful behaviour, if you ask me.

I felt sorry for poor little Albie, ever the victim, but there was nothing I could do apart from making sure that all the nice food was outside with him (ok, grotty soaked hay in tiny-holed haynets but hey, it is what it is).

Today, however, was different.  Albie was in the shed and the other two were outside.  The tables had turned.

Inside I gave a little cheer.  Go, Albie.  Be strong…..

….. or filthy. Whatever. I’m not fussy.

To be fair, everyone is pretty revolting.

Yes, Tiddles, you are revolting too.

It’s been raining all day and now we are back to mud, again.

They didn’t seem to mind too much.

If at all.  Just little hippos enjoying the mud….. and the shed.  Move along, nothing to see here.

This morning, I was greeted by only two little innocent Shetland ponies still in their little field. We were minus one.  Waffle.

He had managed to escape.

According to OH, Waffle had made a Waffle-shaped space where the hurdle is securely tied to the shed.  I have no idea how he did this. I lugged a large rock to block any more escapes.

I have no idea how long Waffle had been out and about but at least Tiddles and Albie didn’t go too.  They didn’t want to do “bad things”. So sweet.

There might have been assistance from outside.  I’m not pointing fingers but I won’t lie, it seems pretty obvious to me.

So feeling generous, I opened up a little bit more of the small paddock which has a bit of old grass and docks that was quickly eaten down. I told them once it’s gone, it’s gone.

I also moved the big water bucket so it can be shared by all as well as being filled with the hose so now I don’t have to lug any more buckets of water.

I am optimistic (or stupid) that Waffle won’t tip it up or dance in it.

That should save my back a bit.

Anyway, Waffle is not remotely sorry but seemed quite happy to return to his friends.  Back to their strict régime then.