This is my daily task – I refuse to say chore (because it isn’t something I mind doing).

The water in Hetja and Brá‘s field has dried up. Apparently, it always does this time of year.

But, no worries, every day, I take about 50 litres of fresh water and put it in their buckets.

Pregnant ladies need fresh water.

They also have a mineral lick (no sugar) bucket which they make regular in-roads into.

This is their second bucket this winter.

The girls are doing very well.  Soon they will be moved – just got to finish the second silage bale at home, move everyone and then they can come home.

Brá has “that” look.  The pregnant and I am now really fed-up look.

Hetja loves being pregnant.  You would barely know.  She could’ve just done very well this winter (please God let there be a foal in there and not a massive diet looming).

I did the other daily routine –  small carrot piece offered and given, headcollar on with no fuss, gooby eyes wiped, leftover carrot received as reward for this immense task.  Let’s just say we are getting there and Brá trusts me enough to do this.

Pregnancy suits Hetja (and it is only now I notice she is sticking her tongue out!)

Les Minions are all fine. Today was not their day to be hugged.  Just counted.

And Daddy?  He is back in work and doing very well.

I made this video as an experiment.

Can i just say that lugging all this water is killing my back.  Just sayin’.

Every morning Efstur is fed extra hard feed.

After dishing out the daily silage, I call him and he leaves the others to walk into the garden and have a bucket of grub.  This will make him big, strong and hopefully a Handsome Prince too.

(The Others eat their silage – they have learned not to bother trying to get the hard feed.)

The Spring grass is now beginning to show – slowly, as it is still very cold.  After their silage, a bit of a rest, they then go off a-wandering looking for the new growth.  The mud is also drying up now.

Efstur is such a good boy.  So easy going and I don’t even need to use a headcollar.  He just brings himself through the gate, eats his food and then I put him back. All with just by guiding him with my hand on his chin.

I love horses like that.  Efstur completely gets it.  He understands what is required, doesn’t panic, takes it all in his beautiful stride, and does as I ask.

Life would be very easy if they were all as nice as Efstur.  Very easy indeed.  The Gods smiled when they sent him to me.

He is going through his gangly nearly-one-year old phase – the giraffe phase, at the moment.

Daisy and Kappi are busy training and preparing for the IHSGB (Icelandic Horse Society of Great Britain) British Championships which are taking place on the 23-25th June in Spalding, Lincolnshire.

I have just finished working out the logistics.

Hannibal crossing the Alps had nothing on us.

I spent most of the morning on the telephone sorting everything out and, much to my shock and consternation, the ruddy ferry was almost fully booked. We have the last cabin going down to mainland UK.  Imagine that, two months ahead and the boat is full!

But, phew, we have a cabin and a place for the van – full of a Kappi and a Waffle.

Two months to go.  Only two months.  So little time.  I must start to pack!  Now, where is Waffle’s toothbrush and what colour pyjamas does he want to wear?  Bob the Builder or He-Man?

Exciting times ahead.

(PS – I defy Waffle not to enchant everyone at the British Championships!)

When I was driving back from Lyradale, all I could see were two galloping dots.

They chase one way……

…. and then they chase the other.

(I love the way Delia just gets on with the task of eating (so important) while Albie and Newt are bouncing about having fun.)

I have been waiting for this day for a very long time.  Proper playing.

And then suddenly they stop.  All bets are off while they both get their breath.  Killing each other is obviously exhausting!

A few minutes later there is a small hopeful nose wuffle…..

…. and off they go again!

Do not feel sorry for Newt…..

…. or worry about his small stature (26″ now).

Newt is tough.

He gives as good as he gets.

Often starting it!

The little boys go endlessly round and round in circles trying to “get” each other.

And then Newt goes in for the kill!

Albie’s knees!

Being smaller has its advantages!

I could watch these two little boys all day.

(ok, I will admit that a good part of my day is spent watching the games, the endless games – this is what both these little chaps need.  Last year, Albie wasn’t really up for playing and now he has a BFF, Spring is in the air and they are both enjoying being together)

**** sniff **** this is perfect!

We woke up to this!

Gah!

Snow.  There was a blizzard first thing. Real fat snow-flakes blowing past the window as I got up and got dressed.  My heart fell.  We could all really do without this.

And then as quickly as the snow appeared, it vanished which was lucky as I really did not feel like battling with in the “deep and crisp and even”.

So, after we had fed everyone at Thordale, been for a bimble (ride when Iacs/aka Mr Bimble is present), Flossie and I drove over to Lyradale so Flossie could say her good-byes.

Flossie is going back up to Oxford for her last term and finals (everything is now crossed).

Where has the time gone?  So quickly.

As Flossie’s pony, Fivla has always been very special.

They both go a long way back and have always been the best of friends. They understand each other and had many conversations together.

So, Flossie said her goodbyes and we all wish her the best of luck for the coming weeks of torture, exams and hell.

I think Fivla is looking well and almost the right shape now.