There was a work-party on Deacon Hill with South Downs NP vans, planting things to encourage the Duke of Burgundy - and fencing the patches to prevent ponies eating the plants. All 3 ponies were on the top path, probably 400/500 metres along, but although I kept my distance, they followed me, wanting to know what was going on, and 2 (Flam and Kat, I guess) befriended the work-party. All 3 looked a bit damp after the overnight rain, but in good form. Trough full.
After checking on the sheep headed over the road to see the ponies. They were in the far bottom corner and from a distance it looked like Kat and Doune were guarding Flam who was lying down. They were all flicking their manes and ears regularly and as I got closer saw they were surrounded by flies.
Flam remained lying down and didn't get up to greet me, as she normally would, so instantly I started to be concerned.
Also as I sat to observe, both Kat and Doune approached me, which is very unusual, as if they wanted help so again I worried. Couldn't get Flam to stand, and she seemed dull and listless with accelerated breathing.
At this point phoned Jayne who was going to come and check on Flam. Flam eventually stood, but she didn't seem right and wasn't as alert and curious as normal.
Both Kat and Doune seemed okay, alert and healthy.
Waiting to hear about Flam and will update with more information when I have it.
UPDATE: Luckily Flam is okay, grazing well and wandering all over the place playing hide and seek. What a relief! Apologies for worrying everyone. 😔😆
Ponies appeared well this morning. A couple were having a rather frantic rub, I think trying to remove some burrs that were stuck in their manes. They also seem to be getting increasingly friendly and curious about human interaction although I’m not sure this is in their best interests?
Brisk but bright morning on Deacon Hill, with a small herd of deer in the Waterwork's field in the distance. Bumped into and chatted with Colin, and he kindly gave me loads of information about the ponies' daily routine and the site itself. Really helpful, so many thanks 😀.
The ponies tend to overnight in the bottom far corner, probably a more sheltered position and also close to the ponies/horses in the adjacent field. I learnt that from there they slowly work their way back up to the top near corner grazing as they go, so was able to intercept them without the need to explore the whole site.
They were looking good, good coats, albeit with a few bits of stickle/briar caught in their manes. And they were moving well, eating, moving, eating, and so on. What a life! Flam was still very inquisitive and confident but Katrin and Doune were a lot more wary and reserved. Gave them plenty of space and time and followed after them for a bit to check all was looking good. Lots of water in the trough and it was nice and clear and plenty of salt lick left.
