Over to Leradale in the snow this afternoon (driving OH’s teensy-weensy eggbox 4×4 car that makes a funny noise).

We were warmly greeted.

Mother and daughter.  So alike in many ways and then suddenly all I can see is a young female Taktur.

While Flossie distributed carrots to the higher echelons, I played a quick game of Spot the Pony.

We will start with the easy ones – five here.

And three here. It’s getting harder now.

More snow was looming but, as ever, Leradale was very atmospheric and beautiful.

Flossie bravely marched into the throng to fairly dish out her carrots while Storm came up to see if I had anything better, like, you know, a whole bar of chocolate or a cake.

i didn’t so he had to do with a nose kissey (and wait for Floss’ return with his share of carrotitude as she is completely 100% fair).

Storm enjoyed some salt lick with Lilja who was hopping about trying to get my attention.

Tiddles arrived and looked wonderful in the dismal winter sunshine.

More carrots and now the rest deigned to follow Flossie.

It was beyond freezing.  We didn’t not stay long.  We wanted to but it really was very cold.

You can see that despite being wet on the outside, no one is actually soaked through, so I am not worried.  Shetland ponies are doing what Shetland ponies are supposed to do in winter – look for food and lose some of their summer weight, please.

Floss and I walked back up the hill to be met by two fat ladies.  Both are fairly hefty but Brá is possibly now officially ginormous.  There is no doubt they are both pregnant.  No doubt at all.

It has been snowing again, last night and we had a good blizzard this morning.

These are the Icelandic horses eating their morning silage afterwards.

I love seeing the boys covered in snow and looking so unphased about it too.

It is like they were built for snow which, oh wait, they totally are!

I love the patterns the snow makes on their coats. Like a knight’s armour or a giraffe print – you choose.

Everyone was totally oblivious to the minus temperatures of cold this morning and just happily went on munching fuelling their incredibly efficient internal central heating system.

(Iacs’ little teddy bear ear(s) are the very definition of awwwww)

Klængur was eating his breakfast by himself like a good boy.  We have had some good work out of him recently.  His brain has calmed down, which is all good.  Regular training seems to be the answer and also I don’t take prisoners or tolerate fools even slightly.

The “Chrysanthemum” bottom.

Efstur is at the salt lick.  They are all making in-roads into it, which means they need it.

And, as you can see, Dreki is just as beautiful as his sister, Lilja.  Those eyes are to melt for.

Later, as the daylight was going, we let them all into their favourite field which they happily charged down.

Floss and I went to feed carrots to the two herds that live outwith Thordale, our croft.

Lilja, our Icelandic filly, was very happy to see us.  She left what she was doing (chatting to the Minions) and happily  followed the bag of carrots Flossie was carrying.

The Shetland ponies were all lined up at the fence trying to look either thin or hungry.

From the left – Waffle, Storm, Newt, Tiddles, Vitamin, Albie, Fivla and Silver.

Carrots were for the Icelandic mares first.  Floss was on carrot duty.  I had the camera.

All eyes were on the Keeper of the Carrots.

After the Icelandics, it was the Shetland ponies’ turn.  I told Floss that I wanted them away from the adjoining fence.  It is Lilja’s spell once again.  She is always trying to hang around with the Minions and keep them close so they don’t go and eat.

Floss was sensible and walked with her bribery into the hill and everyone duly followed.

They have to cross a little stream – this is the best place.

And Floss walked and they cantered beside her to keep up.

They walked high up into the hill.

They did stop eventually and were given their share of carrots and then Floss walked down the hill, leaving them in a nice place to graze.

Of course, the ponies were watched very carefully and no doubt Lilja started shouting to them and no doubt they all came straight back the minute we had gone.  They do that.

But Lilja is very magical and special.  I can see why.  We are all under her spell.

When I did the blog post about klibbers (the traditional Shetland wooden pack saddle), some readers admired the kishies (the traditional Shetland woven baskets worn by women (eek) and ponies).

The Shetland Klibber

Anywho, I dug my two out as the ones in the photos have mysteriously disappeared.

I have had these two for years and they are original and old.

If you want to learn more I also found this very useful page which tells of the kishie’s history and even how to make one.

Sadly, I cannot find anyone in Shetland, let alone the UK, who will have a stab at making a kishie which is very sad.  I have contacted many weavers in and outwith Shetland with no success.  So if you find someone, please let me know. I would love to see their efforts.

I asked Flossie (youngest daughter), who is always very thorough, to measure ours to give you an idea of the kishies’ dimensions.

Firstly the “Red” one. 

This is the older of the two kishies and belonged to my neighbour.  He kindly gifted it to me and I think all the mending that’s been done over the years adds to its charm.

Then there is this one that is in slightly better condition and also has a separate handle.

Each kishie is slightly different in design and size but not enough to mean they can’t be used together.

They really are beautiful pieces of traditional craftsmanship.  I would love to be able to supply kishies with the klibbers.  Maybe you know someone who could make one.  Let me know.

I mentioned yesterday that Monster was quite taken with the BBC Wild Shetland programme. As I had not seen his original reaction, I popped on iPlayer and streamed it onto the sitting room television to see for myself what he would do.

Monster was fast asleep but when the bit with the birds started, he got out of his “wee nook” and took an interest.

He was fascinated – this was the otter eating a fish.

At one stage we did wonder if it was Ewan McGregor’s commentary or the stirring music.

Monster lost interest when the seals were being stalked and eaten by orcas.  It was then BeAnne snuck in and stole the wee nook.  Possibly in a rage that all the attention was on him.  I love their two faces.  Speaks volumes.   Also that is not a bed designed for a fat determined, if resentful, little Patterdale terrier.  It was a very tight squeeze for Her Maj.

Then the bird porn arrived and Monster was back to watching again.  BeAnne had vacated the wee nook having possibly achieved maximum revenge smells.  Gassed herself out, more like.

He moves!

Monster really is a funny chap.  This is the trip to Mousa broch where the storm petrels nest.

I think Monster would love to visit.  Possibly the storm petrels would not be too thrilled, though.

By now BeAnne was enjoying a full sulk and had gone to lie in front of the fire.

I was minded of the family threat that I would get “square eyes” from sitting too close to the television. Anyway, we thoroughly recommend BBC Wild Shetland if it comes to a television near you.  Your cat might like it too!