20th November 2010

We've had a wee storm blow thru this week which tore up the hill from the south for 3 days. The winter field has lots of shelter from the north east and west but not much from the south. Luckily the fencer had left 2 big bonfire sized piles of gorse which all 4 used for shelter. Spike would stand in the lee of one, and Likely stood in the lee of spike with Charlot and Mal sheltering behind the other. Charlot and Mal have been really going at each other this week - quite the world dominance game.

Matthew, the farrier, came yesterday and met the weans for the first time. He has a wonderful grounded calmness and lets a horse meet him and suss him out before starting to work.

I took Spike in first who wouldn't settle then calmed down as soon as Charlot came in too. The wind was still blowing a bit and rain pouring down so I took the wee ones in as well.

The cattle court is floored with rubber mats and Likely drops and rolls as soon as he comes in every time - flips over at least once either side then has a good shake.

I had Charlot next to Spike and the Hobbits together at the end. Spike is hot shoed and Charlot watched it all with big eyes.

Auntie H arrived to keep an eye on Charlot and gave his feet a pick and rubbed the worst of the weather off his legs with a towel.
She started to warn Matthew off C's previous issues/ habits... I can normally feel what animals are feeling and didn't get any worry from C at all. I said to Matthew that he hadn't put a foot wrong the entire time he had been here and hadn't seen any of these issues at all so just treat him as he found him.

So Matthew said hullo and Charlot let him do all four feet without a peep. I felt a bit emotional at the end - Charlot really hasn't given me any cause for concern at all.

On Monday before the storm broke we had the most perfect day of weather all year. Blue skies, wall to wall sun, the first really hard frost so no mud - (and no midges!)- I took Charlot out for a walk by himself and we were finally at the stage of trotting together out on the track. The colour of his coat against the larch needles was just stunning in the sunshine.

Your boy is doing wonderfully up here Frances, I haven't forced any agenda upon him, let him unwind in his own time and just taken what he gives me when he comes to me.

He finally allowed me to do some Rolfing on him a few weeks ago - back, quarters and down the hind legs... after I had finished he snuffled my hair for quite a while and then gave a big sigh. I personally believe that when someone allows a physical release, it it when they are ready for the corresponding emotional release... that they are ready to move on.

You can't force change, you can only invite it... one of the principles we work with is "working with what is available for change TODAY".... and Charlot is a lovely example.

He's a fine loon.

Auntie P

14th November 2010

From their Auntie P....

"All is well atop the hill. All 3 boys getting along fine ... either Mal or Likely first to run up the hill, with Charlot hesitantly behind.

My husband was able to put Charlot's headcollar on in the field too and lead him out. Auntie H has been long reining him out by herself as well as in company with us.

The first time all three of us went down to the bottom of the forestry road gave many giggles. Husband had Likely and I got towed down by Mal who was determined to be in front (or catch the dog)... he is quite the brightest wee spark I have met in a long time.

We've acquired some shetland harness and the week or so of play in the cattle court with a blanket or roller being draped over the wee ones made trying on the harness a normal piece of fun.

I love these pirie ponies - such enthusiasm for new things!

I finally got my big horse home on Friday. He's been down at the horsey Hilton for a couple of months while I found company for him as our youngster is away at boot camp.

When they first spied him across the hill there was much singing and when they met across the gate an hour later their eyes were on stalks - I am guessing they've never seen anything quite that big.

I put them in adjacent fields for the next hour and the 3 wee ones were riveted. Poor Spike is such a social beastie he kept singing out for his buddies.

I put him in the new winter field and then brought the 3 amigos in too. They cantered off down to see him with much amazement at the big flappy thing around this huge beast. Much sniffing and a few squeals and a few gallopy gallopies all afternoon.

When refilling their water later I had a giggle at Mal standing broadside in front and spike nonchalantly leaning over him to get a drink.

Charlot seemed initially a tad miffed that he was no longer the biggest - he's been giving Mal a rough time of it these last 2 weeks but they all seem to be giving what they're getting and finding their peace.

Mal and Spike seem to be pairing up... Likely more aloof and independent as he has been for the last few weeks.

It was my birthday yesterday and I had the loveliest present... I looked down the field and saw Charlot lying in the long grass. I couldn't see Likely so got out the binoculars and saw his wee grey ears just beyond Charlot's chest. Mal was standing guard and Spike standing dozing about 30 yards away.

Then Mal joined the other two and also lay down - all three in a wee huddle snoozing for about an hour as Spike stood dozing. Happy, happy days.

The other side of the hill had a massive shoot yesterday and happily husbands gun proofing paid off. All 4 with heads down munching while the noise battered the hillside.

All well!

Auntie P"