Here we are again, about to go into another winter and we can report that our little band of ponies have had a good summer, having been to shows, fairs and markets. They are all in good health.

Golden Flame, aka Aunty, has done particularly well this autumn and it is beginning to show around her waistline. The grass is still growing and she is carrying too much ‘condition’. So, no more treats for her for a little while. We are not too worried about her because it will not hurt her to take a bit of weight into the really cold weather that we are sure we will have. Other than that she is our stalwart and a visitor favourite.

Starlight is akin to a wandering star, some days you know what she will do and the next she is away taking care of herself. She will eventually give in to positive contact and then enjoy the fuss once she has let herself accept it. She is in no way malicious but she is very cautious. A few days ago she had a minor operation on her right hind leg, to help her with a locking stifle,( bit like a knee). Like a true soldier she has eaten up all her prescribed medicaments and she is now fit and well. The staples have been removed and the wound has healed. We will give her exercise to build up her leg and we feel sure it will increase her confidence. Starlight is rising three and it would be nice to have her as a pack pony.

George, another hero, has just been gelded and is in a separate field from the mares for a short sabbatical with his best friend Charlie. The enforced period of absence is necessary while his system stops producing sperm and his temperament calms down. He is safe for people who know him, but we are careful with strangers because he is so inquisitive. He might push you about without realising how big he is.Each day he is becoming more the old George and he will be back with the others soon.

Charlie, not quite last and definitely not least. This is the Dartmoor Pony that every little girl would love to have; he is archetypically Dartmoor. No more the bag of bones as he was in May of this year. We will put some pictures on the site for you to see him having a bath back then. He has blossomed into a very handsome, well built and we think, our biggest pony. When he is old enough he will be trained to carry a pack like the girls. His temperament has not changed with his maturity, he still adores attention. Neither has his mane, he has a bad hair day every day. He is, at the moment, keeping George in line and an inquisitive eye on the new foal. The two meet at the field gate and exchange stares.

No Name, the foal is shaping up to be another Charlie, having a very similar nature. He is of course very young and has only just been weaned, but he too likes a lot of attention. We will, no doubt, see how he adapts to a new way of life away from his mother and the commons where he grew up. Golden Flame seems to have adopted him and is teaching him pony etiquette. He soon worked out who was in charge and is learning what is expected of him. We hope he has a name within the next week or so as we don’t want him to respond to ‘OI’. He enjoys walks around the farm and shows interest in all things new to him.