We haven’t done anything with Hjalti recently.  Lots of reasons but mostly weather, our mood and just the general winter meh-factor.  There is no point training a horse if you are not feeling like it.  No one benefits.

But, yesterday, we got Hjalti out of his packaging and tacked him up ready for a short session.

He hadn’t forgotten anything and worked well with Daisy, listening and learning her instructions.

They walked and trotted on both reins concentrating on transitions and a bit of steering.

Hjalti has the best square halt of anyone in possibly the whole world.

He learned to stop off Daisy’s seat rather than her hands.  He has lightening brakes anyway so she just taught him to listen to these aids.  A few attempts and he’d got it.

And so the pair of them pootled around the school happily and it was obvious that the little break had done Hjalti no harm whatsoever.  We have no timetable to work to so we can take our time which is the perfect way to train a youngster.

Withs lots of communication both onboard and off, Daisy and Hjalti are good friends.

Hjalti is a funny little chap.  He has a lovely temperament and is kind and happy to do anything.  I really love watching him learn.

It was my turn to check on the Icelandic ladies who are resident in their Winter Palace a few miles down the road.

There is a small field inside their field that has not been grazed yet so, feeling kind, today I opened it up for them.

They didn’t need asking twice. Zoom. There was even cantering.

So, this is Hetja today.  She was served by Taktur on 26th June. I know. I was there.

And so was Brá.  Now she looks pregnant.

Properly pregnant – yup, God-willing there will be the pitter-patter of tiny hooves in a just over a month’s time.

While Hetja (I am now sucking my teeth) just doesn’t look like there is a foal in there.

In fact a few weeks back Hetja looked more pregnant than today so maybe the foal has moved but is just more tucked up inside her.

Obviously, we could get the vet out and have Hetja scanned but, to be honest, as Hetja is not obviously unwell in any way I would prefer to leave it to nature to sort out.

And also, in her defence, we were having the same conversation four years ago when Hjalti appeared out of nowhere so Hetja does have previous for this kind of look.

(Meanwhile Little Herself is going through her gawky giraffe teenager phase)

I left them all to it.  Nature will tell us.  We just have to be patient.  I’m not very good at that.

A quick dash to Lerwick for a family member’s dentist appointment and then, as we had a little time to spare, we “did the street” afterwards.

I was rather hoping we would see Tommy the Cat but sadly he was not around.

The street was very empty but we popped into various shops trying to buy and support local.  I hate seeing it like this. Very sad.  There used to be such bustle and activity and it was always nice to stop and chat with folk.  I don’t know how it has become like this.

Anyway, I stopped to admire the window displays.  Such effort, hard work and thought goes into them.  This was Jamiesons of Shetland’s side window.

These beautiful gloves called to me…..

…. while the handmade bespoke chocolates from Mirrie Dancers shouted  – C H O C O L A T E!  They always get a Christmas visit from various members of my family.

Finished, we dashed back home, a quick lunch of OH’s homemade bread fresh out of the oven.  It fights back when you try to cut a reasonable slice and tastes delicious.

Onwards to Transition Turriefield for vegetable weighing (me on carrots and beetroot), Veg box packing and a good natter.

So that was my day.  How was your’s?

It is slow progress these days with Haakon.

(my view this morning from the front door – he is lying down often, still)

I am pretty sure Haakon’s hooves are not as sore as they were.  The two abscesses are dry now and he manages to walk about around the outside of the house fairly happily.  He is very stiff and creaky, a bit like me really.

I found a huge carrot for him to eat secretly.

I didn’t mention the carrot to his friend, Iacs, who keeps him company during the daytime.  He had his earlier along with the others but has the hearing of a bat when it comes to carrots being eaten anywhere in a 10 mile vicinity.

Haakon, knowing this, was keeping an eye out.  Sharing is not his thing.

I like having Haakon around, close by.  He is putting back on the weight he lost and is eating well.  The appetite never diminished, even during the height of all his misery and pain.

This whole feet thing has aged my boy hugely and taken a lot out of him.  Before this, Haakon was much younger in every way but I just didn’t see it at the time.

Still, he is looking so much better.  A huge improvement on the miserable boy a month ago.

It began so quietly.  Everyone standing peacefully on the top of the hill, and behind but then it quickly deteriorated.

This was the Minions in the afternoon, just before the rain set in.

They were on flying form, giggling, farting and generally having a great time.  Please do not worry for Albie – he gave as good as he got and some.  He has become a proper little tough-guy.  No more the Mummy’s Boy unless he feels like it.  It makes my heart smile to see him like this.  One of the boys.  For a time, when he was a foal, I did wonder if he would really ever be like the others.  All I heard were endless stories about the dangers of orphan foals not growing up to be accepted or to learn to be like other ponies.  I just wanted to do right by him.  Anyway, I will stop worrying now.

Waffle started it.  Of that, I am sure.

Newt was quite reserved first and then he got into the spirit quickly joining the shenanigans.

I left them to their games and went back up the hill as the rain set in.

Sometimes there is no point trying to have a meaningful discussion with anyone if they are too busy sniggering.