It has been a long day so I will let the photos do most of the talking.

Lots of ponies – Flossie and I had 15 to get in and out of the two show rings (standards and miniatures) for their handlers with the correct numbers on.

The showing started early – 08:30 – with the ridden classes.

While the ridden classes were on, the ponies had their final brush and polish.  Each one had had a full bath in the last few days.

I had the easy job – in charge of numbers and which pony was going where, while Floss was poo-picking pens, and getting the ponies ready.

When there was a brief respite, I wandered about to take photos.

And then it was our turn to go into the show rings.

Everyone worked very hard.

There was time for chatting.

A “loose horse”.

Beautiful ponies.

Nose Kisseys.

Winning.

Brushing – this was a spectator who picked up a brush and started to brush one of the ponies (?huh? – like you do).

Waiting to see who was in next.

Watching to see who was in the ring.

Everyone was involved.

There was a good crowd, too.

The weather threatened us on and off but mostly it stayed midge-free and not too cold.  The odd rain shower, but nothing serious.

Once the Championships and trophies were all handed out, Floss and I went to see the other exhibits.

My favouritist class of the whole show – inspired and imaginative art work.

Best chicken hairdo ever!

Yes, there really is class for 5 potatoes on a dish!

I was particularly taken with the fairy grotto in front of the German E-boat model – a surreal moment.

We met the usual reprobates loafing around.

It was a good day. We are exhausted.  Supper, shower and bed, I think.

It is lovely today.  Hot and sunny.  We are all enjoying it.

After lunch, I went out, armed with my black bin bag, to go a-ragworting in the fields.  I loathe ragwort.  It is a very dangerous plant to horses, sheeps, everyone.

Of course, I also took my camera.

And, of course, BeAnne, Her Maj, still sporting her beautiful neckerchief, came too.

First up was my little separate croft, Clothie.

A perfect five acres with its own spring and old crofthouse and outbuildings.

Apparently, it used to be a school many years ago and is mentioned in the Parish Records.

Clothie is now sadly derelict. I cannot get permission to renovate the house without having to build a tarmac road up to the property, which I do not want.  I want it to stay as a little crofthouse situate in the middle of the scattald.

So, I dragged my binbag and dog around looking for ragwort and I was happily suprised.  For the first time in over 15 years, there was barely a plant to pull up.

And that is totally due to my daughters, Daisy and Floss’ huge efforts.

They have been brilliant.  Working so hard, regularly going out pulling ragwort.

So, for my part, I blocked up the hole under the fence where the hill lambs get in.

My ragwort search and destroy patrol then moved to the other fields around the house.

Again, barely nothing.

Therefore, I had a much-deserved rest.

I was instantly spied sitting down.

And then it was a case of What’s in the bag? Can I have the bag?  I need to eat the bag. My only recourse was to sit on the bag to keep it away from prying teeth!

My reward – an extensive Minion hug sitting in the Shetland summer sun.

We had a visitor yesterday.  A fan.  Someone who loved The Minions (and the Boyzenberries).

So, of course, I took her out to the field to meet everyone.

They were all delighted.

And I think our visitor was fairly enchanted too, if smothered.

(almost all!)

But, to be fair, our visitor had never met an Icelandic horse so, on behalf of all Icelandic horses everywhere, Efstur and Hjalti made their presence known.

They love a new face in the field.

Our visitor knew exactly what to do.

She also came bearing gifts – the most delicious honey and a present for Her Maj – we adore it.  Even our postie this morning mentioned how beautiful she looked in her new bandana.  BeAnne now has a slight showey-offey spring in her step – a sort of “look at me, I have a neckerchief!”

After meeting The Minions, I tried to find The Boyzenberries, Lambie, ‘Bert and ‘Ster – who had gone out for the day.

So, I called and called and, upon their return, I texted our visitor to come back and she duly appeared, having been visiting another Shetland pony stud on her itinerary.

‘Bert was on top form.

‘Ster was very loving (this is today with Flossie).

And Lambie?  Lambie who is the most famous of all Shetland sheep?  Well, Lambie sulked and was in a vile not-talking mood.

Personally, I blame the midges.  It was horribly midgey yesterday and he hates them with a passion.

(this is his Greta Garbo “I vant to be alone” face).

Uncanny!

This is me today.

I have been demoted to riding Sancho Panza’s donkey – Dapple (or Haakon as he is affectionately known).

So, Daisy and I went for a hack – this is the first bit, when we ride on a long rein to help the horses stretch.

Daisy rode her competition horse, Kappi.

He goes fast and very enthusiastically.

Going past local sheeples.

We even had a lovely canter.

I rode my old faithful Icelandic horse, Haakon. I have had him since he was three years old and he has never let me down but he is getting old (now 23) and is, perhaps, the “old style” functional farm model.

Over the years, we have been everywhere together.

His tölt is flat, comfortable but good and very kind to my back.

Sometimes we go up into the hill.  “Game of Thrones” territory.

And then home walking down the road in the Shetland summer sunshine.  We met absolutely no traffic.

A perfect ride.

But Haakon and I are still Sancho Panza on his donkey!  It is now the way it is.  We don’t really keep up anymore.

Riding is also very good therapy for me.

LD (Bardy) died this morning. I let him down.  There is nothing more to be said. He was loved.

So, today I have tried to keep myself busy.  We relaid the washed rubber mats in the stable with me on broom duty.  Then Daisy, Floss and I went for a good ride.  Haakon was wonderful and looked after a rather fragile version of me.

This afternoon, I spent some time with my other rescues trying to get my perspective back.  It is always good to talk to a Minion.  They are always very perceptive.

I went for a walk with the sheeples into the horses’ field.  They were keen to follow BeAnne and me.

Anywho, Minions are good for the soul.

I sat with them and had many hugs and kisses.

Seeing my happy little boys makes me realise I have some rescue success stories.

It does not make up for LD but, I tried my very best.  It was not enough.  There is a huge hole in my heart now.