Andrew, one of our new long-term volunteers, writes his first blog post on a slightly uncomfortable day out with the Koniks...
Out an about on the reserve, some of the workforce has been exhibiting some slightly peculiar behaviour. For the last week or so the guys here have been seen shuddering, shaking their heads sadly and muttering things like ‘poor Dudley. Dear, sweet Dudley.’ Those of the fairer sex, it has to be said, have not been displaying these same curious mannerisms.
The aforementioned Dudley, the recipient of such sweet sympathy, is the youngest of our burgeoning herd of Konik ponies. To keep the ratio of stallions to mares as it should be, Dudley has had to take one for the team. Dudley will never become Studley.
Dear, sweet, Dudley.
We are actually in the middle of a bit of a reshuffle with the ponies. To make sure that they are doing their job properly and most efficiently for the wildfowl, the herd is being split into three and moved around the reserve. Today the vet came, and it was the culmination of several weeks of fence-erection, corral-fashioning and pony health checks. In short, a lot of hard work. So we were all a little nervous.
Fortunately the ponies were more than willing to, ahem, play ball. In fact, everything went perfectly. Being amiable ponies, dedicated to their hard work for the RSPB, they were more than happy to be herded, corralled and cajoled into their temporary pen. It was actually a lovely chance for us to get up close to the semi-wild herd and have a little bonding time with them. They can be tricky to tell apart, but each one has its own little quirks and characteristics. For the newer ones among us (and I am the newest), it was a great opportunity to put some names to faces.
And so, after microchips and tetanus jabs all round, it was time for the grand finale. I wouldn’t say that watching the ‘procedure’ was a painless experience, especially for us lads. But Dudley was soon back on his feet, ready and raring to go, with a look on his face that said ‘guys, stop squirming and man up’.
For those of you who want to see this hardy individual, he’ll be hanging around the high ground at the back of the reserve for the next few weeks. With patience you’ll be able to see the whole herd, albeit distantly, from pretty much all of the hides.
Andrew