One moment you're fast asleep in the spring sunshine, the next you wake up to discover Mum has quietly wandered off with the rest of the herd... Fortunately, this young Chinkwell Registered Dartmoor Ponies foal didn't have far to go. After a quick look around and a moment of uncertainty, it set off across the moor with purpose, determined to catch up with the others. It's a reminder of just how quickly these young foals learn. Within days of birth they are navigating the open moor, keeping pace with the herd and beginning their journey in one of Britain's most challenging and beautiful landscapes. Set against the wide-open backdrop of Dartmoor, this little foal seemed tiny amongst the vastness of the moor, yet it is already part of a herd that helps shape these habitats through conservation grazing, creating benefits for wildlife, biodiversity and the landscape itself. Sometimes the biggest adventures start with simply waking up in the wrong place! #dartmoor #snelgrove #horsephotography #dartmoorpony #wilddartmoor

🥰🥰Happy place on a lovely Sunday morning sitting with my local Dartmoor Blacktor Herd 🥰🥰 from Equine Retirement at Lowertown Farm

It was so lovely to sit quietly with my local herd yesterday, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze as life on the moor carried on at its own unhurried pace. While mares grazed, youngsters explored and others simply stretched out in the warmth, one figure remained watchful over it all. The very special Sir Lightning Flash, standing proudly on the skyline, keeping a quiet eye on his herd. These moments are what I love most about spending time with Dartmoor's ponies. There is no rush, no drama, just family groups going about their daily lives in a landscape they have helped shape for generations. Beyond their beauty, these native ponies play a vital role in conservation grazing. By browsing, grazing and moving across the moor they help create a mosaic of habitats that benefits countless species of plants, insects, birds and other wildlife. They are not simply part of the landscape; they are one of the reasons it remains so rich and diverse. Yesterday felt like one of those perfect Dartmoor days. Warm sunshine, fresh air, a contented herd, and Sir Lightning Flash standing guard over it all. #dartmoor #dartmoorpony #ConservationGrazing #biodiversity #wildequus #nativeponies #dartmoornationalpark #equinephotography #wilddartmoor #horsephotography

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Congratulations to Madison on the adoption of Moolah and Air Force Cadet! The sky is the limit with this trio! Not only did Madison just graduate from LSU, she bought property to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning thoroughbreds! Madison, we are so happy for you and these 2 wonderful geldings! We have been honored to be a part of your journey! Way to Geaux! ❤️

Louis, you have an awesome way of putting things in perspective…

I remember speaking with Cory Kuhlman and hearing the concern he had for Red, White and Loud learning he was in a killpen pin Michigan. Now he is back home and safe forever. Thank you Cory!

I love it. pastthewire.com/as-we-celebr…

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." ~Carl Sandburg Amy (JC: Perfect Art) and baby… Day two! Our wonderful, perfect little prince. I forgot how quickly they grow and figure things out. He is much more sure-footed today and is enjoying some time out in the yard. He clacked at me a little at breakfast, but it didn’t last long. He was all up in my business as I cleaned his stall and gave mama her breakfast, hay and fresh water. He loves neck scratches and nose kisses. It’s hot, it’s going to be hot for a while (minus a slight rain cooldown tomorrow) so we have the fans going and there’s a ton of shade in the back to keep him cool while his body figures out how to regulate its temperature. We need a name. Someone had a suggestion and I wanted to run it by you all. In the hoopla of bringing in the girls, we blew past the one-year anniversary of losing Tyler’s Sensation. Though he was only here a day and a half, the mark he left on not only us here at The Bridge but all of you will last forever. What if we call our little man Tyler in his honor? He will, of course, get a proper Jockey Club name (to be decided by all of us) but he needs an everyday name. What do ya’ll think? We still haven’t reached our June hay goal and since yesterday we received $100 (thank you Pamela!) We’re counting our blessings that overall we have a healthy baby, but expenses are creeping higher than normal because of his poor, emaciated and sick mama and her BFF Beryl (JC: Vintage Beauty). With our now $990 vet bill (including Thursday’s visit) and our hay drive, we are $4,042.19 from goal with $2,947.8 raised so far this month. We are having hay delivered today before the rain moves in tonight and we’d like to pay for it. If you want to help with our hay/baby mama vet fund, links are below. We are always so tremendously grateful for the help, truly. Venmo: @TheBridge-Sanctuary PayPal: thebridgeintx@gmail.com CashApp: $redransom Zelle: (626) 676-2556 Direct link: paypal.com/paypalme/thebridg… #rescue #Texas #babyhorse #thoroughbred

❤❤ Remember Red White and Loud? Well here he is with his pasture mate at his former connection Kuhlman Racing's farm in Nebraska living the good life. Kuhlman Racing did everything they said they would for him and retired Red at their farm. Glad to see Red so fat and happy. If all past connections were like that what a wonderful world it would be. ❤❤ Thank you @RacingKuhlman

Went to a local farmers market today. It rained pretty heavily. You can see in photo 3 Marty’s side eye says it all. Not happy about it! Happy Sunday frens!

I got to lick out an almost empty yogurt container today. Can you tell? Have an outstanding Monday everyone!

This is my fieldmate Rooster, he is 26 today. Happy Birthday mate

Time for a mid month catch up friends it's a bit like a knitter natter without the knitting, I don't have opposable thumbs so I can't knit. But I do have opinions..... ko-fi.com/post/Mid-Month-Cat…

2 #tongueouttuesday pics for you, neither of which are Eggsy Pony who did not wish to participate today but Pippin & a rather tired Miss Darcy Puffle Dog were willing to take up the challenge, sort of... #to

Eggsy needs some help getting fed! Please buy him a ko-fi at his fundraiser page.

Today I'm in charge of view improvement! 😃

Surfer also gets upset if he gets poked and prodded too much by K documenting growth or new melanomas. So we have to watch doing that too frequently. It's all a balance.

Overall, humans must not freak out over melanomas found in grey horses as they age. It is part of a genetic mutation that they possess. It is about managing the melanomas. Some are itchy, others are not. Another reason for keeping Surfer's weight athletic is to keep blood sugar and metabolics in normal range to prevent itchiness of the melanomas.

However, with his melanoma condition, and his turning 17 this year, Surfer is definitely right by exercising with Pixie as much as he does. It is important that aging horses with melanomas are not overweight. Not because the weight or fat content causes melanoma growth, but the inflammation that goes along with it can stimulate tumor progression.