Christmas has come early for me this year, with the most wonderful and totally unexpected 'presents' (or should I more correctly say 'presence') suddenly appearing in the paddock outside my studio window. I looked up from wrapping a parcel to see a dark brown creature, with the softest fluffiest coat and the most soulful large dark eyes looking in at me. My heart missed a beat!
Warm sunshine has taken the place of hard hoare frosts these past few days - though the temperature has remained very low, particularly at night - and this lovely animal was outlined in its golden glow. I grabbed my camera and dashed outside, to discover that there was yet another little surprise lurking behind the hedge. A dinky cappucino-coloured miniature pony, with delightfully trendy unruly hair. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Then a really nice young woman appeared, whose pets these beautiful creatures obviously were. She explained that the cuddly brown one was an Exmoor pony, just two years old, which she planned to ride in the spring, and his name is Dragonfly. The other is in the paddock as a companion for him, horses apparently liking company, and he is called Scrumpy. They have been brought into 'our' paddock as there is plenty of long grass available, it having been empty since dear old Butch died in the spring.
It seems that both ponies are extremely hardy. Joy (for that is the lucky owner's name) pointed out that the ponies' tails flowed straight down from their backs, which allowed snow to slide off easily. So it seems they don't have any cosy stable to return to in the winter weather, but are perfectly happy to be outside all the time. I find myself peering out of the window when I go to bed on frosty nights to get a glimpse of their dark shapes, and do feel a little sorry for them. However, it is obvious that Joy loves them to bits, and knows what is best for them.
Perhaps the empty stable might find another use sometime soon!
(question? - why can't I get the text to 'sit in line' when I edit a paragraph? - most irritating!)
Aaaaaahh, so sweet!
ReplyDeleteYou know the answer......get it right first time !!!!!! Simples !!! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely ponies!!!
ReplyDeleteThink you have to click on the 'justify' tab after you've edited a paragraph (while your cursor is still in it) ... it's a pain though isn't it, just when you think you've got everything in the right place, it all jiggles around again... I find the uploading of photos a nuisance too... there must be an easier way?
Must chat soon, heaps of love from afar, Jenny x x x x x x