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"
