There was little evidence of the ponies at the reserve yesterday although I was pleased that they had been close to the two cattle grids without getting into any trouble; Jack hasn't met one since he was a baby but the others are very familiar with them. Jack is the captain of the ship, but Nelly is definitely the navigator and seems to have steered him carefully through the straits!
I found the cows easily enough - on both circuits of the reserve. They have lovely names like Delia and Samphire, but I don't know which is which.
Some tracks in the woods have been cut back - and then grazed down - and the butterflies are making the most of them.
Now on my second circuit, I'm beginning to wonder if the ponies have skipped over the cattle grid and are making their way back home!
Suddenly I hear a 'pleugh' in the middle of the woods and Nelly appears along the shaded track. The others follow but where is Pie?
The ponies start slowly heading for the water trough, stopping in the shade between short walks. Pie and I dutifully follow.
Patsy is in great condition and still looking slightly surprised to find herself abroad. She has never left the Forest before.
Jack shows his ghastly teeth - ground down by years of short New Forest grass on sandy soil. The veterinary dentist is happy that he is in no pain but this longer grass will really help him to maintain his weight. Jack has never had so much space or choice before.
Finally the cows have got up and they come over to stare at the ponies - no fraternisation yet.
This is as close as they have come so far...
