St John's Fayre...Frodo's Big Day Finally Arrived!

Today was the big day we've been preparing for.  Quite a few p4p volunteers had a very early start today.  The ponies did look a bit surprised to see activity at the yard so early this morning.  Frodo did quite well overnight and only managed to get one splodge of dirt on him, which was shampooed out very quickly.  We put on his new boots and headcollar and then the heavens opened...a torrential downpour left Frodo trying to tuck himself into a building for cover.  Thankfully it was just a shower, but we thought it was probably best for him to wear his rug to walk to Witheridge in case of more unfavourable weather.  We were actually very lucky...although it definitely wasn't sunny, the weather wasn't too bad, and certainly not the worst weather we've encountered!  We were quite pleased to have taken the rug because the red rug made Frodo more visible to road users.

Whilst Frodo was on the way to Witheridge with one team of volunteers, in Witheridge itself, another group of p4p volunteers was setting up and arranging the fundraising stall.  With the strong winds, it was quite a challenge to get the gazebo safely put up.

Frodo arrived in Witheridge in plenty of time for the parade so he could trim some grasses and overgrown hedges for the residents whilst he was waiting.  This year he was programmed between the Penny Farthing, Fell Pony and Majorette Dancers in the parade.  Witheridge was absolutely teaming with people, vehicles, lots of loud music, steam vehicles, a fun fair, drummers, dancers etc and Frodo is very good at taking it all in his stride.  Waiting about has never been one of his strong points but once he's underway in the parade and has a purpose he does a very good job.  Victoria and Sara were our banner bearers to lead the way for Frodo.  At the end of the parade Frodo had quite a stream of admirers and young people who wanted to come and stroke him and take pictures.

After Frodo's public relations session, his job was done.  After saying thank you to everyone, he headed back up the high street for a quick munch on some long grass before the journey home.  He probably walked between 7-8 miles today, so it's not surprising that he was looking a bit weary by the time he was back at the yard!

Thank you very much to everyone who came out and supported us today and helped with the stall or getting Frodo to and from the parade!  The stall raised £102.75 for the ponies.

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