Tiddles has been with us for 5 weeks now (he arrived on 24th November – I’ve just looked back). This is him on Day 1 being introduced to Storm.

Since then, he has been wormed twice (nil count yesterday) and had regular daily meals of hard food, a selection of warm dry waterproof rugs, shelter, a 30 acre field and ad lib hay.

And, today, I think I can see a difference.  As well as his shape, it is in his eyes.  He is interested in his surroundings.  He interacts with the others and is starting to investigate.

Of course having his Big Nuncle Storm around helps.  He follows Storm about religiously.  They are not separated and Storm has given up being Pol Pot, which has helped their relationship.

Things I have discovered about Tiddles – he is determined, he still bucks but I can pick up each of his feet one at a time now, he loves his bum being scratched and he is what I would describe “slow and steady”.  He does not hurry for anyone.

There is a definite difference and of course now he is “One of Us”.

I left a camera on while I went to muck out their shed to see what they get up to in my absence.

And then I slowed down a section and noticed that Tiddles was playing for the first time. I realise that to some it might look like nothing is happening but it is a tiny flicker of interest and that is enough for me to realise he is changing.

Yes, it brought tears to my eyes.

Apparently you get one horse in your life who is The Horse.

This is my best boy, Haakon from Camster.  His birthday is on 10th May and he was born in 1994 so he is 21 this year.  I have had him since he was 3 years old and backed and trained him myself.  He failed his vetting when I purchased him due to the fact that the vet could not get near him and he stood on his hind-legs all the time – apparently this is why he was gelded too.

We go along way back and it was not easy but he is my best boy and my oldest friend.  When he first arrived, he had just been gelded and was a serving stallion (more by accident than by design).  He has progeny – Frilla from Camster and a grand-daughter, Elska from Vine.

His BLUP is 81 (stop laughing please).  He can tölt and flying pace and I have only ever seen him trot once.

His Sire is Abel from Rickarton and his Dam is Flora from Camster.

Here are some photos from yesterday.

He is still just as handsome as the day I first met him off the boat when he was 3 years old.

I have always loved his ears.

And his kind, expressive eye.  He knows his name and his left and right!

Iacs is his cousin.  They have the same grandmother.  Apart from that, they are chalk and cheese.

I am very lucky.  The Gods smiled and let me have a second best boy.  Klængur.  We are working hard on our relationship and, though a slow process, he is a good friend.  I have never met a more loving horse.  He is very affectionate and takes the world on his shoulders to worry about.

Both are very special Icelandic horses in my life.  I never thought I would find another; not to replace Haakon but to give me different challenges to rise to.

Lyra spotted her best friend and came from far away in her ginormous field to say hello.

She has always adored just one person in her life – my eldest daughter, Daisy.

Ever since she was a foal, Lyra has let Daisy catch her, play with her and do anything.  The rest of us are always on the edge and mildly tolerated.

But Daisy is Lyra’s special person.  I find Shetland ponies are very good judges of character.

I am glad we kept Lyra back.  Daisy begged us too and she is right.  I think Lyra would be unhappy without her Daisy.

Lyra is a pretty girl and very like her mother as well as her half-brother, Indy.  She is starting to look very much like her mum, Vitamin, who is down at Jo’s stables keeping Delia company.  Apparently Vitamin and Delia like the idea of regular feeds, a big field with a stable if required.  They have quite taken to home life.

Anywho, have a happy New Year and see you all next year. xx

Today Jo and Fiona came over with Tór (her new imported Icelandic gelding) and Hreyfing.  Tór is Taktur’s half brother.

Tór is pronounced Tor (like what you find on top of Glastonbury) and Hreyfing is pronounced, well I am not really sure to be honest!

The Minions were already in the indoor school, having their food while Daisy kindly mucked out their shed.  It is not easy to muck out with four helpful Minions so I had offered my diversionary services.

Tór investigated the school with the usual tour guides.

They made sure he never escaped.

Everyone introduced themselves very politely and, apart from the odd squeal, they were all a peaceful little bunch.

Silver was happy to share his hay with his new friend.

Iacs popped by as well, to have a shoe removed, and made friends too.

I love the way nothing phases my little Minions.  They are so confident in themselves.  When I think of what they were like all those months’ back.

Even little Tiddles was brave (so proud, sniff).

Waffle offered grooming advice to Jo, who obviously had no idea what she was doing.

And then the inevitable happened.

And that was that!

The weather is having a break from its constant battle so, Daisy and I made the most of a dry day and we went for a ride, with Daisy on Iacs and me on my little orange Klængur.

I always think of Red Fraggle when I sit on his back.

Same ears, I think!

Despite Iacs losing a shoe, everyone was keen to go out, including BeAnne who will only go on a walk if I am going too.  This has meant she has shovelled on the Christmas weight and become rather portly.

Iacs was his usual happy self.  He is a solid gentleman both mentally and physically.

Flossie was kindly walking all the dogs for me.  This was Walk No 2 as she had already taken Loki for his long run.  Jack(et Potato), aged a billion, only goes on a slow potter to the end of the track and back.  He hates the horses with a passion and so was trying to “run” away, ok walk slightly faster before Floss clipped him back onto his lead.

And so we walked, tölted (Klængur, pronounced Clang-gur), trotted (Iacs, pronounced Eye-Yaks) and cantered up our favourite track.  BeAnne had a wonderful time aquaplaning in the large puddles.  Afterwards, she even found something extra pungent to roll in and triumphantly brought it home with her.

We are past the longest night so hopefully the light will get better – this is my excuse for these shamefully bad photos.

I am enjoying getting back into riding again.  Klængur and I are beginning to actually trust each other which is the best foundation for a friendship.