Lady Chloe has settled into life on the farm. She hangs around with the donkeys, her very distinctive neigh can be heard when she is looking for them. She is a very distinct presence in the pasture, and she has greatly added to the spirit of the place. Chloe is businesslike, as ponies are. She grazes much of the day – we keep her away from the lush grass so she doesn’t overeat – and she comes right up to Maria or me when we are in the pasture. She takes her carrot and apple and like the donkeys, goes about her business.

She doesn’t need to hang around with people all day. We have learned to be careful about animals and food. The sheep have become pests because so many people have fed them here, equines will eat and move away, sheep are not independent, naturally. Equines need some attention each day, they value their carrot or apple.

I like Chloe a lot. Maria loves her, and the two are very connected. I am getting to know her. She comes up and sniffs me, checks my pockets. She loves to be groomed and have her tail brushed, Maria loves to do it. The farm feels very much alive after this winter, it is great fun to go outside.