1^st.  Had an excellent evening and brilliant start to the New Year. There is nothing like mucking out for clearing your head! Our friendly robin was out of sorts as we were later than usual arriving to turn out etc. Didn't stop him from taking up his usual place on to of the feed room door as soon as it opens—cheeky monkey!

2^nd. moved the mares to the next field. Think it's their Birthdays as it hasn't been grazed since the hay/haylage was cut. It will be squitty bums all round tomorrow no doubt. Had a huge bird land on the fence next to were the youngstock graze. It is much bigger than the magpies and crows that were screaming and bombarding it.

5^th.Central Horse News Awards Presentation Evening. We are the first Miniature Horses to have entered this and have done very well against all the `larger` competition. Wendy, Dreamer and Wized received 6 awards between them. Well done all, a big achievement for little old us. Proud as punch of them all. Xx

6^th. Flying visit from the vet to discuss Boo's operation, go over and rearrange all the details. She should have been for this procedure before Christmas but because it is such a difficult op her chances are not good as until they open her up they cannot be certain if it is worth completing. Just couldn't face the chance of her not been here so delayed and spoilt her instead!

10^th. Frosty snap due over the next few days, so even though the girls are knee deep in grass it will be frozen solid so took a 6ft bale of haylage and unwrapped in the field.

11^th. the weather man got it right minus 6 last night. Forecast for the next few days the same. So was nice to know they all had full bellies. The water trough was frozen too and had to go across 4 times to break ice so they could all have a drink. Had a brain wave and packed bales of straw around it. It didn't freeze so quickly and gave the 3 tennis balls a chance to float around and prevent the ice from forming. Success!

16^th. Fillongley Agricultural Show asked us to attend the horse section meeting. They were impressed at our stand and display as well as the amount of interest it generate. Asked us back again and will put mini classes on too! Brill.

17^th. Panic stations the vet called in to tell us the date/time/place for Boo's op. Its tomorrow. Put the heat lamps up and camera in her stable and aired her rugs we fetched back from the cleaners. Be a worrying and sleepless night tonight. Another sighting of the large bird again today the vet thinks it could be a Golden Eagle, must try and get a picture and then some advice as it is huge.

18^th. the phone has been none stop with best wishes and good luck for Boo's op. Lovely to hear from everyone and welcomed their kind support. A sombre and quiet drive to the designated op site. So relieved had 4 vets in attendance think they all wanted to be involved as such an unusual affliction. Every detail was meticulously rechecked. There were even some inflatable rings to support her and aid her circulation whilst asleep. Had a few sticky moments such as worrying about the muscles at the base of her ear and loosing the movement/flexion as they had to be cut through to expose the cyst and then when it would not budge and praying it was not attached to her skull. But with a good tug out it came with a `plop`. It left a large depression that should fill in time with tissue and mature bone growth. It was a different journey home; it certainly was not quiet and will be having a discrete celebration as will be checking her every 2 hours. So pleased, not hereditary and should not regrow Sandy Bell, Ross, Jenny and Jackie from Bell and Partners we are so grateful. We love you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

20^th. Boo a lot better. Not as quiet grazed in hand 3 x 30 mins. She has stopped head shaking. Stitches are clean if a little swollen but after the vet popped in to check there star patient yesterday said that she can go back to a daily turnout so will bring her little mate Ricoh up so she doesn't go all silly.

24^th.Another visit from our large mystery bird really must carry the camera round to try and identify it and see what we can do re- advice, as a little concerned about the mares that foal out.

27^th. Vet visit for Boo. Stitches loosening now that the swelling has gone and seems to be heeling. Mr Bell is to x-ray the lump first before dissecting it. Be interesting to find out what its inside. Such a relief she's doing so well.

30^th. Had some great pics in the post and a letter to say that a mini we sold is doing well and settled in, it is so good when they keep in touch and can see them giving pleasure to others.