In recent months, I haven't been able to do much walking because a long-running chest infection has prevented me. Now, five doses of anti-biotics later, and on week two of a 6 week rota of doubling-up my asthma inhaler, I am able to walk happily on the flat and can manage short slopes though our hill still brings me to my knees and I have to stop several times when attempting to climb it.I decided that I would walk for an hour or so up the valley bottom today, and get my husband to pick me up as I was heading back towards home after an hour and a quarter. The sun was out, I had my camera with me, and I thoroughly enjoyed my walk. Mind you, I didn't get as far as I expected as I lost half an hour chatting with a neighbour and making a fuss of his TB broodmares and some "mini" Shetland ponies he had about the place. It was lovely to be around horses again, though Shetlands were never a breed I was particularly enamoured of. Some of these had the cute factor though!
Two of the brood mare band and a couple of this year's foals.
Not one of my better photos . . .
Time for a mutual grooming session. 
Then I walked up the valley a little way and was shown the mini Shetland. Here's the family group, with one of the yearlings having a little roll.
I didn't get the best view of this little coloured foal!
This is the stallion - a palomino Shetland is unusual - shame about the roach back though. I'd have had it gelded, colour or no . . .
In the heat of the summer sun, forty winks were the order of the day . . .
I think these two have the cuteness factor : ) Mum looks as broad as she was long! I know how she feels . . .
Sometimes it's just not worth staying awake . . .
Some people pay good money for a hairstyle this nonchalent . . .
Enjoying the sunshine.
Another of the bunch - they seem to have cornered the market in fuzzy forelocks!
