We have been busy for the last few days swimming.  Yes, it has been a chore but we endured it stoically. Someone has to!

So today, for me and my grotty back, we have had a day of rest.   I spent a good few hours with the Minions in the school (catching, grooming, feet and leading) and then in the field where they reciprocated.  Yup, they groomed me, chewed my shoes and led me to a spot where they could be hugged some more.

Hammy is a token Minion.  He is their mentor – heaven help them and they actually get on very well, which is sweet to see.

I have had many animals over the years but I think I have never been so loved by The Minions.  They are the most darling three boys (and Hammy) ever.

Silver, who found getting to know us difficult at first, has made a huge amount of progress.  His learning curve is steep but the reward of being loved by him and his friends is probably the best therapy ever (for me).

These guys have given me so much – I may have had gin and feeling very soppy now!

Anna here!

After having limited success riding Andy in the Ocean a few days ago, Frances suggested I take Haakon today as he adores swimming. He likes to investigate first and then play with the sea water.

After that, I dismounted and lead him in to show him all was safe, i.e. if I could stand in the water, so could he.  He happily followed me. What a good boy!

Then BeAnne showed him how it was done (she is our instant expert for everything).

So we took the plunge….

Haakon was in heaven. He kept bobbing his head under water in a manner resembling a submarine, then popping up again for more air.

You can see we are both smiling.

He was truly having a wonderful swim and so was I.

Next it was into the Norby loch for some warmer water, where we happily splashed about.

Frances then sat in the water holding onto Haakon while Daisy and I went for a swim.

Today was Shetland heaven (and yes, that is BeAnne’s perfectly formed bottom on the bank!)

An early blog today as I have a riding lesson this evening with Hamish Cameron – very excited.

Anywho, yesterday I took a deep breath, stopped being an over-protective mother, and let The Minions join The Big Boys in the large field.

I was waiting for explosions and politics and there was absolutely none.  Nada.  Not a dicky bird.

The Icelandic horses just looked up, gave them a nod and that was that.

So much for my worries.

I went out to see everyone this morning especially to see if The Minions still loved their dear old mum and yes, they did.  Phew.  I would hate them to change (back to my over-protective status).

That is my hat that was having its usual investigation.

The boys are still testing and playing….

And everyone seems very tolerant of them.

I am sure The Minions are much better off in one big herd.  There are 11 horses and ponies in this field now – a mixture of Shetland ponies, Icelandic horses and a Welsh Section A.

If you are wondering where Taktur is, he is busy with Hetja.  Yup, the wedding was finally consummated and now they are living together in married bliss.  

I don’t think anyone is missing the frustrated bachelor, to be honest.

Blimey it is hot (for Shetland).  We are not used to this.  So I bundled Iacs and Andy, Daisy and Anna, Loki and BeAnne into the car and/or trailer and took them to the beach.

No saddles, just bridles for the riders.

The beach was fairly empty (only two families but they soon left).

In Anna’s head, she had dreams of swimming while riding Andy.

Andy had other ideas (as is his want)

Mwhahaha!

Iacs said he couldn’t swim if Andy didn’t.  He needs leadership usually in the form of Haakon who is a keen swimmer (next time).

But Andy managed a paddle with Anna…..

….. while Iacs managed to drink the North Sea.

After a few failed attempts of this romantic swimming notion, we gave up and took the horses to the next door loch, which is much warmer and less of a worry.

(of course, BeAnne managed to swim in the sea because she is perfection – I thank you.)

So, now we are at the loch and this is familiar territory to Iacs.

But not Andy – he is happier and a little more helpful, though.

So off they went.

Of course the locals were watching.

I think Anna’s face says it all.

And Andy only managed to buck her off twice so that is an achievement!

Next time we will take Haakon.  He loves swimming and needs no encouragement.  In his youth, he tried to swim to Papa Stour (next door island).