So this was the scene when Floss opened the gate a few day’s back.  To a horse, they all ran into their new field.

…… or delicately gallumphed if I am being honest.

Four little fat bottoms.

And the other four little fat bottoms (Lilja and Sóley were floating around the field somewhere looking like supermodels).

Then suddenly to a horse, they all turned round and galloped in the other direction.

“The wind up their tails” is the expression.

It was wonderful to watch.

At one stage I had all ten galloping straight towards me.  There was a brief moment when I thought should I move, but decided this was an unwise strategy and I watched as they galloped past, with Newt coming up for a brief kiss/hug!

And then, exhausted (or fat and very unfit), the herd all stopped suddenly and started stuffing their faces.

They haven’t lifted their heads since!

Obviously everything Lilja does, Sóley has to copy because Lilja is her big sister and that’s what little sisters do.

Copying her beautiful older sister is not always easy.

It takes some skill.

But like all work-in-progress, practice is the answer.

Lots and lots of practice.

According to K. Anders Ericsson, a psychologist, (and the theory was later popularised by Malcom Gladwell), it takes 10,000 hours to become world-class at anything. That’s just 416 full days.

I think Sóley is nearly there now.  I love watching her run.

And there you are – Sóley is beautiful too, like Lilja.  She is flying.

Tomorrow, it is the Minion’s turn with the photos.  Think more functional than aesthetic!

We have some grotty weather ahead so Floss kindly walked down and opened the gate to let the hordes through.

The hordes did not need asking twice and at one stage I had ten horses/ponies galloping straight at me!

While I stood in the middle of the field with my camera, I happily snapped away trying to capture the moment.

Lilja (and Sóley) flew around the field together enjoying this “new” field.  They haven’t been here for a few months.

The Minions were less interested (food!) so the Icelandic girls enjoyed the moment and ran and ran.

It was beautiful to watch.

The more I see Lilja, the more I can see she is growing up to be a very special lady.

Although not as tall as her brother, Dreki, she is a lovely shape with a gorgeous head.

Very like her dear father, Taktur.

And I put this photo in because, well just because really.  I like her shape and exhilaration..

Lilja will start her training next year and that is a very exciting prospect ahead.  Something to look forward to.

Lilja is a truly beautiful mare.

Took the old men out for a blast.  They were on flying form and there is certainly nothing retired about these two. It is embarrassing.  I possibly walk more on Klængur!

At 26 and 25 years old – guys, come on.  This should be a slow ride.

Daisy and I also had a nice ride on Klængur and Kappi.  The two ginger ninjas enjoyed their new shoes and we certainly had our money’s worth!  Lots of lovely tölt. So good for the soul.

After lunch, I went to collect BeAnne’s medication, food and syringes and took the scenic route home.

Garderhouse Voe

Silwick

Looking down to Fitful Head at the south end of the island.

Westerwick

Looking at Grossa Stack.

It was a perfect day.  Rain tomorrow apparently.  Meh but the grass is growing and my horses tell me they want a day off!

The farrier came today so the whole family had to be involved too.  Monster looked on.

We had full sets of shoes put on for Taktur, Kappi and Klængur.

Dreki and Efstur’s hooves were trimmed and rasped.  For the youngsters, who will one day be ridden, I think it is better for the farrier to trim them properly rather than me/Daisy attempting this.  Hoof shape will influence how young bones and muscles grow and develop.

Her Maj luckily she gave up today’s suicide mission and went to bed. She was exhausted from trying to kill herself under everyone’s feet.

Then down the road for Hetja and Brá’s pedicure and on to the Minion field for Sóley.

So that’s that for another few weeks.  A necessary job well done.  Daisy and my trimming/rasping work was approved of, so that was a relief and a bit of a pat on the back for us.