Jack Frost

 

It's very easy for people to instil doubts into your head about the way your horses and ponies are being kept. "I hope you have got rugs on them," or "They must be tucked up in bed at this time of year?" To be honest some people would rug a polar bear but it did make me take a good look at my set today. Are they keeping enough weight on? Do they look cold? 

Nelly looks very comfortable and we have to remember that their teeth and their hooves don't feel the cold like ours (feet that is). Their coats fluff up to create an extra layer of warmth just like we wear layers in the winter. 

They have the option of moving about all of the time and there is plenty of shelter on the Reserve in this case, and the barn in the case of the horses and the long-ears.

They all look picture-postcard beautiful against the frosty scenery. 

The short grass is sheltered too and still providing some nutrition while the long grasses and shrubs provide fibre. 

Pie is the colour of slush but still cleaner than usual. 

Together they form an autumnal group in a wintery background. 

Over at Fritham the long legs and long ears have been kept amused by an orienteering competition which was taking place in one of the nearby car parks. 

This is the last time I will see the Hook ponies before I come back from holiday. Thank goodness for The Grazing Team and all of the Lookers who will be keeping an eye on them while I am away. One last day seeing the horses and donkeys tomorrow and then Sue takes over.