The magic of the wild

We went to Exmoor today. Just before we arrived at Tarr Steps, we came across some Exmoor ponies so Tess and I got out of the car to see if we could say hello to them and if they'd let me take a photo.

Most of the group had moved away but two stayed by a tree looking as if they were going to have a nap. We hung back and spoke quietly while they eyed us from a safe-ish distance. I'm sure they're not truly wild because they will be used to people and vehicles coming and going in the summer but we took our time and approached them slowly and they let us come closer. Eventually we were just 3 feet away so I held out the back of my hand and let one take a sniff. The pony in the photo is the one who didn't want to come any closer but who was clearly interested.

Tess followed my lead and came up slowly too, and soon we were having a chat and a stroke with the braver pony. It said something to us down its nose. I think it was something fairly neutral, like 'You smell of chocolate cake.'

The walk was cold but I spent the rest of the day feeling warm and happy.