BeAnne and I went on a road-trip this morning down to Sandwick, the South end of the island.  I had seen some baled hay being advertised at a very reasonable price and so we went to buy because I am terrified it is about to snow.

(This afternoon’s offering – I am never going to say I think Spring is here ever again.  I was shocked!)

As we arrived, two miniature Shetland ponies (Hans and Tiba) were being led towards us into the garden for their breakfast and a lovely Nova Scotla Duck Tolling Retriever puppy galloped about “helping”, as puppies always do.

BeAnne liked Lace, the puppy.  She also appreciated the fact that these ponies were used to dogs and was very happy to introduce herself to everyone.

As you can see, these ponies are allowed in the garden and I thoroughly approve of this.  I am very jealous and wish mine were allowed the same privileges!  But sadly, it is not to be. Not now, not never apparently.

There was much playing, much delicious apricot and banana cake and a much needed cup of coffee.

Tiba and Hans sported excellent hair styles and had impeccable manners.  In the future, I was told they would be participating in Shetland Pony Agility.  I think this might be something my little lot could be interested in.  I shall investigate further.

It was a lovely morning and I enjoyed meeting everyone.  I expect one small person might be missing BeAnne, though.

Spring may or may not have finally arrived (although I thought I saw snow this morning).

All the horses and ponies immediately galloped down to the bottom field for the new grass this morning after their breakfast.

The ground is still very wet and every time I think the mud is drying up, we have a torrential downpour and go quickly back to square one.

On a good note, though, I saw my first wild primrose flower.  They grow on either side of the stream in huge banks and their arrival shows me there is a way forward out of Winter.

I know the ponies are getting under one of the fences but I was not sure where until I went down to the bottom of the field.   I am not surprised but a little disappointed they took advantage after the floods.  One fence to mend.

The gap is only 2 foot high!  Do they crawl on their knees?  

I enjoyed pottering around the fields.  It was nice to be outside but there is another gale on its way tonight.  Here we go again.

But I am very relieved to see the grass finally trying to make an appearance.  I was getting to that point when I start to think nothing will ever grow again.

BeAnne was on fine form too and went swimming.  She is a very keen swimmer any time of the year.

Tiddles is a very contented little chap.  He has his routines, knows how to behave, including leading and standing still for his rug change.  He does love his rug when the weather is vile.  He has changed hugely since he arrived and is a confident boy now.

Tiddles and Storm are the best of friends.  Storm goes nowhere without Tiddles diligently following, albeit fairly slowly.  They are both not brilliant on their legs so manage to keep up with each other.

Storm loves having a disciple.  He has purpose and meaning now and thinks he is obviously a Very Important Pony as he has an entourage (albeit only a small fluffy one).

When everyone else used to escape under the fence, they would leave a miserable Storm on his own but now he has Tiddles to keep him company.  They do everything together.  You have one, and then you have the other always close by.  This is just what I wanted for Storm.

Tiddles still loves his cuddles though.  He is always going to be a Mummy’s boy.  Storm thinks he is above all that but needs me when things are bad just to tell him he is my Best Soldier.

They are both funny little lads.  I couldn’t be without them.

I went to visit my pregnant mare, Hetja frá Skeiðháholti (pronounced Het-yer).

According to my calculations, she is due at the earliest on the 22nd(ish) of June or even later.

Poor Hetja has that face – the face of one who is very pregnant and beginning to feel it.  I know this feeling – it is uncomfortable but a necessity.  She will be thrilled when her first foal arrives.

Anyway, Hetja is beautiful in her pregnancy.   She is a gorgeous mare who will make the best mother.  She is so loving and takes other horses under her care if they need her.

She did this for Esja who was a yearling filly when they all came over from Iceland in 2012.  Esja found travelling stressful and Hetja stepped in as her Mum and looked after her all the time  She still does. Esja remains very attached to Hetja.   We will separate them before Hetja’s foal arrives.

Esja may start her training too if she is mature enough.  She will be 4 years old this year.

Exciting times ahead.

I thought you would appreciate an update on the Shetland pony mare who had hyperlipæmia last week.

She is now out all day in a field stuffing her face with green grass (a very rare commodity here in Shetland this time of year).

Her name, by the way, is Roseblossom and she is 14 years old.

She is one of the lucky ones – she made it!

The vet came to see her yesterday and took blood. He said there were no traces of hyperlipæmia in her blood anymore which was the best news.

I did not realise this but “The condition has a high mortality rate of between 60 and 100 per cent,” Management of Equine hyperlipaemia by Anna Hammond

So we did well, very well and between us, we fought the odds.  Poor Roseblossom was put through hell.  The treatment was constant interference by us.   I remember her lying down to die on the floor with her head in my arms on the Sunday night.  Her owner and I were willing her to live with all our strength while we waited for the vet to arrive.

Roseblossom still has a long way to go (both mentally and physically) and I think she will be different pony from this huge experience.  It has affected us all in some way.

But we did it and she is still here.  That is all that matters.

A huge thank you for all your prayers, thoughts, vibes and help – it gave us the strength we so desperately needed.