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.

All is right in the World of Lambie and ‘Ster.

Their wool is growing back and I think Lambie’s lucious ringlets will return as well. Phew!

Brisk is content living with Tor (mother) and Camus (son).

They all come to me when I call Brisk’s name.

Everyone has fallen into a nice comfortable routine.  They all get a hard feed in the morning while Brisk also gets milk.

(though why Brisk has to put his two feet in is anyone’s guess – perhaps he thinks the milk will keep them whiter than white).

Tor and Camus know not to bother Brisk while he drinks his milk bucket in the field.

Their reward is to finish the leftovers but they have to wait until it is offered to them and no barging Brisk out of the way.  They respect this.

Little Brisk is on 2 litres of Multimilk, which is split into four feeds – breakfast, lunch, tea and before bed.  At breakfast, Brisk eats and drinks by himself.  He goes in and out of the field very easily.

He likes his milk warm with a little froth on top!

After each feed, I stay around and let Brisk come and talk to me.  I don’t force this on him.  He chooses whether to chat.

And he always does.

We have a quiet bonding times together – lots of breathe sharing, tickles, and hugs. When he walks away, usually after about 20 minutes, then I go away too.

I am pleased with Brisk’s progress.  He is looking very good considering.

Both mentally and physically.

A few weeks back, I was worried for Brisk as he was beginning to look gaunt, but we have been lent a rug (until his arrives) and upped his feed regime hugely.  All this now makes sense.  It was trial and error to start with.

Yesterday, a friend came over with his step-daughter.  We know them very well and the girl, who is a young adult, has been riding for most of her life now.

When she visits, we always pop her on Iacs as we trust him and together they bimble about the indoor school in walk and trot.

As they were trotting round, the lass had a full-blown grand mal epilpetic seizure.

Iacs immediately stopped dead while his rider, in the middle of her seizure, slithered off onto the sand floor.

Of course, the girl’s step-father rushed to her aid.  This lass has known epilepsy so everyone around knows what to do if she hasa seizure – and Iacs?

What did Iacs do?  He stood there and waited patiently, doing nothing, absolutely nothing.  He never moved an inch.

We never trained him to do this.  He just knows that his rider and her safety is important.  That is what Icelandic horses do.  They care.

(Afterwards, the lass got back on again and they recommenced bimbling as if nothing had happened.)

There is no better horse in the world.

Today, when everyone else had one munchy-crunchy, he had two – for being perfect.

Our “Icelandic Angel” – (that is what the lass and her step-father called him).