Topsy and Peter's Triumph

Today Topsy and Peter had their own little triumph.  Peter offered Topsy some small pieces of apple and she took them very gently from his hand.  For Topsy this was a big thing - although she's accustomed to accepting cow parsley, dandelions and a variety of hedgerow plants from the hand (and she'll hoover up rosehips from your palm etc) she would never take a piece of apple or carrot.  She does love them in a bowl of food, so it's not that she doesn't like them.  We're pretty sure that somewhere in her past someone tried to "trick" her (or what Topsy perceived to be this) by tempting her with an apple or carrot and then probably tried to grab her.  Today was another step on the way to her leaving those past memories behind and knowing that she can trust people.  She can be so calm and chilled out in situations now that people ask if she's been a ridden pony all her life and how many shows or competitions she's done!  It was nice to see Topsy looking in the kitchen window looking to see if Peter was on his way back, and woofling to him as he appeared in the yard!

In other news...We're pleased to report that Trading Standards had a very good, clear announcement at the Exmoor Pony Society AGM about ear tagging and notching - and this statement was endorsed by the chairman who made it clear that it is not acceptable and if anyone is doing this they must cease...breaches of the law will not be tolerated.

We discovered this week that The Brooke show won't be running this year, which is very sad as it's one of our favourite fundraising events and has been a great way of promoting rescue animals.  We're researching alternative events for our fundraising stall this year.

And finally...We send our thoughts and "get well soon" wishes to Catherine and her husband Edward - poor Edward's in hospital so we hope he feels better very soon...

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