The girls (Daisy and Flossie) and I (Mum) went to see our little herd at Sandness.  We took the dogs with us as they were going for a walk afterwards on the beach.

We took with us a bag of fusty carrots that needed eating.  Who better?

While the girls handed out the carrots, very fairly too, I went around taking photos of the special little moments that occurred when no one was noticing.

It’s my job. It’s what I do.

We all love being with The Minions.  No one needs asking twice to go and see them.

And it is totally reciprocated too.

Lyra has changed this year.  She appreciates her friends, human and equine, but most of all she has grown up and stopped relying on her Mum (Vitamin) by being quite so precious.

The Minions are never precious.  They are everyone’s best friend.

Shetland ponies are always inventive.  If they can’t reach, then they find a way to.  Little Tiddles’ determination to play with Hjalti is admirable.  He stands on a slight hill to acquire those necessary inches for the perfect bite!

Here at Thordale Stud, we always try to colour coordinate – apparently, according to Flossie, they were obsessed with her new coat.  She was severely “twanged”. Pahahaha!

Daisy had a special quiet time with little Storm.  He loves these precious moments where he can have a human to himself.

Sometimes his Bestie is rather hard work!

Obviously, we all completely understand!

BeAnne was too tired to have a riding lesson – she had been working hard keeping intruders (real or otherwise) at bay.  Instead, Flossie and Klængur went into the indoor school for a riding lesson from Bjørn Roar Larsen.

Flossie and Klængur haven’t had a lesson for quite a few months, so there were a few creases that needed to be ironed out.

And relationships to re-establish.  Klængur has not been a very co-operative horse with Flossie recently.

As an already expert rider, BeAnne watched, taking it all in…..

… while Floss and Klængur developed a more workmanlike attitude (and a less passenger-like one).

It was good to watch this pair together.

I use my miserable spine as an excuse not to ride Klængur, but Flossie really gets far more out of this ginger Ninja than I ever did.

BeAnne, of course, watched attentively.

There was even trot!

Then the whole thing again, on the other rein (when I ride on the other rein, I have to re-learn  – I would make a great goldfish).

So, lots of work, some legs are aching (Flossie) and Klængur was reminded about partnerships.  No more passengers.

There is a wonderful Shetland dialect word  Spaegie (pronounced Spay-gee)

We have a new Shetland pony visiting, and staying for a while as company for Tor.  It must be boring and very lonely for Tor being the only sensible adult around here.

So, everyone welcomed Kanteborgs Four Roses, who is a 23 year old standard Shetland pony mare from the Bergli Stud.

Brisk and Camus were funny.

I could see them discussing who should go and introduce themself first.

Camus drew the short straw.

He was on his best behaviour and said all the right things.

But Four Roses sent him away with a flea in his ear.

So then the little “family” group all stood together and planned what to do next.

Bless them, the little boys are dying to talk to Four Roses but must learn how to approach an old crotchety lady who has not got time for nuisance colts.

This time it was Brisk’s turn.

He was told in no uncertain terms (but with a beautiful mane).

And then, Camus, who hates to give up on anything.

He was told in no uncertain terms (but with slightly less beautiful teeth!)

It won’t take long before they all get on together.

Once they are used to Four Roses, we intend to put Silver and Waffle in with them so that when Camus is weaned, and then goes to his new home, Brisk will have enough friends and won’t mind.  After that, it is Storm and Tids’ turn.

Well, that is the plan – just thinking ahead.

A bit of a pea-souper this morning.  Thick Shetland fog.

Last night, there was quite a bit of rain, so we made the executive decision to put a brand spanking new beautiful Shires rug onto Little B.

For the amount of rain that fell, the rug held up fine and Brisk’s beautiful velvet fur was completely dry underneath.  Perfect.  Just what we all wanted.

I can sleep at night knowing he has the best rug for the worst weather.

So, a huge thank you to all that contributed towards this essential piece of kit for Brisk.

Before, we were just borrowing someone else’s foal rug which was great, but it was very obvious the minute we put it on, that Brisk would need one of his own.

As they say, “it will ride up with wear, sir” and there is plenty of mileage for growing into.

For the first time, ‘Ster was interested in Brisk.  He sniffed and wondered if this was another new member to his flock.  I could almost hear the sigh of relief when he reported back to Lambie to tell him his findings.

Camus and Brisk are playing more, now.

It is perhaps not as reciprocated or as bouncy as Camus wants, but I think it won’t be long before Brisk stops being boring and starts playing back.

Then, I will know we are on the right track.

I was given my own tiny Tiddles today.

Complete with his beautiful blue eye on the correct side.

This tiny Tiddles is made out of Tiddles’ foal fur which he shed or was brushed out last year.

I am absolutely thrilled and adore my new Mini-Minion.  He is much better behaved than his namesake who is going through “a phrase” at the moment.

Tiny Tiddles will live with his friend, SilvStorWaff and, for the only time in his life, Tiny Tiddles is bigger than his friend.