Iacs, oh Iacs, what is the matter with you?

He is presenting with very uncharacteristic behaviour.

When we are out on a trek, Klaengur will dung on the side of the road, and Iacs stops dead, refuses to move forward and paws the ground.

He does this with different riders.  He exhibits no signs of pain, is relaxed but just saying “won’t”.  If he is turned round, he is very happy to go home and if you turn him 360 degrees, he will keep going and even enjoy a canter up his favourite track.

Iacs is 20 years old. He was castrated as a youngster with no complications. He is not a dominant horse in the herd – a glass half-full kinda guy.

So what is going on?

Daisy and I took him into the school and we tested his back, asked him to step through a tight circle on both reins and there was no reaction.  All was fine.

Daisy then tacked him up and rode him round the school on both reins. No bother.

He went along in a long low relaxed frame of mind.

She then tried him bareback to see if there was any difference.

There wasn’t.  Iacs’ ears are pricked forward and he happily walked, trotted and cantered on each rein.

We tried his other saddle (for the wider fit, sir) and he was slightly faster so perhaps his saddle was pinching.

To be honest, we are none the wiser.  The only thing I can think of is that Iacs has no shoes on at the moment so perhaps he is footy.

But why would he stop dead and start pawing another gelding’s dung?  What is he saying?

A Norwegian animal behaviourist came over today and we explained the situation.  She wondered whether he had learned this behaviour and now it was stuck his pea-like brain.

Lambie and Lambert are doing very well.  They are out and about every day and enjoy company as well as the company of real hoomans!

They still enthusiastically come back when they are called and don’t venture far from home.

Lambie remains enchanting. He is made of very cheap fur (possibly nylon?) and he knows he is special.

Lambert is a bit bigger than Lambie and he has come through his operation very well.  Tomorrow the stitches on his abdomen will be taken out.

He lost half a horn a few week’s back but it is growing again and he is less head-shy than he was.  Lambert is more aloof than Lambie but if you sit down in a field, he will come and rest beside you.

Lambie loves everyone.

He adores being made a fuss of and may believe he is a dog.

Kisses are very important in Lambie’s life!

And tickles.  This is his blissful tickle face.

BeAnne has decided to ignore any pet sheep.

She is not bothered by them anymore as long as they don’t jump on her.  That is unacceptable in her life.

It is a pity the Lambs don’t get on with the ponies.  This is because The Minions are mean and chase my little woolly boys.  Lambie refuses to forgive them.  He has a point.

(perhaps I need to get out more!)

It’s my birthday today so I can do whatever I want.

So this morning, I chose to go out for a ride on Klaengur.

Daisy rode Kappi and we had a fast, enthusiastic time tölting to Dale and back.  Way to go!  The perfect birthday start.

Then off to Sandness to see how Hetja and Hjalti are getting on with their new roomies.

Things seem much, much better.

Hetja is relaxed around the other Icelandics.

She came over to me for a chat, which was lovely.

Hetja is a wonderful girl, a natural mother and someone who takes her responsibilities very seriously.

I love this photo – it is a real “Oh Mum” moment.

Little Himself, Hjalti, is still gorgeous.

He seems to have grown some legs.  Real legs that go on forever.

Hjalti is very curious now and it is permitted by Hetja, which is lovely.  Such a relief for us all as it will make our winter plans much easier.  He won’t be weaned until next year as he was a late foal.

A perfect birthday is spending time with my family –  furry, woolly or otherwise.

Flossie is making me a cake (I might’ve mentioned chocolate) while OH is cooking supper.  Daisy drew a card for me.  Wonderful.  For those who know me, that is an iPad I have under my arm and I am wearing my most favourite Finnish boots.

I also have a bottle of gin and all is very good.

Happy Birthday to me!

The verb – To be Minioned.

Here is the definition, in case you have been wondering:  To be sitting in a field when little Minions come racing up to be loved and hugged.

By being loved and hugged, I mean this….

This is essential Minion therapy for everyone and this is typical Minion behaviour.

Storm decided he would practice his rollkur – such an important practice (read horrible – I abhor it in real life).

Because, at the end of the day, Storm could achieved this.

This is our idea of heaven.  It don’t get any better for any of us.

Off to Sandness to see my field of Shetland ladies.

We gave them all a good brush and going over, though feet will be trimmed later.

There is nothing better than going into a field of Shetland ponies who are pleased to see you, easy to catch, handle and work with.  It makes life so much better and I totally fail to see why anyone burdens themselves with impossible uncatchable ponies who have no manners.

Vitamin, Lyra’s mother, is beginning to show her age.  She is still beautiful and has a wonderful expressive head that the camera loves.

I think it is her eyes.  They just say everything.  Her son, Indy, has her eyes.  I often wonder how he is getting on in his new home.

Vitamin’s much-wanted and much-loved daughter, Lyra, is very precious to both her and us.

She is three years old now and still the apple of her mother’s eye.

And Daisy’s.

Lyra often doesn’t see Daisy for months but she never forgets her.

Also in the field is Raw Deal or Delia as she is affectionately known.  Delia is ancient and did very badly last winter.

Ok, she is a fat pig now but that won’t last and with heavy heart I am going to make the executive decision to have her put to sleep this autumn.  It has to be done.  There is no other way.  Unlimited food and unlimited shelter does not keep the weight on and the Shetland winters are very harsh.

Today, while she looks fabulous, i could easily be talked out of this plan.