Smart and Sassy

 

A very nice set of mares have recently been turned out for the first time in Fritham, no doubt in anticipation of the arrival of one of the stallions selected for breeding on the Forest this year. [Edit: this little set have now been brought in again before the stallions are turned out on 9th May]. More information about the stallions that have been turned out over the years is available at New Forest Stallions.

At the moment they haven't quite got the hang of being 'wild' and so hung around my gate for a while in the hope that I might let them in with mine. It meant that a group of visiting cadets who have come from the Basingstoke area were treated to an idyllic sight when they arrived even though we had to waft these girls away.

I must say that I have been deeply impressed by the behaviour and enthusiasm of the voluntary Army Cadets, ranging in age from fourteen to nineteen, who despite the miserable weather, have been organised, polite, engaging and helpful. They loaded this 'Pick up Sticks' pile of post and rails onto the trailer, and when the car could get no further, they did all the donkey work themselves.

Whilst all of the cadets were here to concentrate on their orienteering skills - great to see the older ones teaching the younger ones - two of the cadets, H and R, were extremely pleased to meet with my horses and to help me feed them. 

Did someone say donkey work?