I haven’t stopped since breakfast, only sitting down just now for the first time all day.

We started with the farrier, Stephen.  Seven trims and everyone behaved very well.  There were no signs of laminitis anywhere and Stephen said the ponies looked the best he had seen them, ever.  So I smiled inside.

Then the sheep were all sheared.  It was hard work for all of us.

This was the first time Gussie had been sheared and his fleece is fabulous.

I am definitely keeping this one.

Gussie took it well, looking a bit surprised afterwards.

Hand shears is a new experience for my flock and although, it took a bit longer, everyone is much relieved to have their fleeces off.

You do not want to know just how fat Madge is without her fleece.  The word hippopotamus was mentioned.

Harrel escaped when I let Edna out of the stable first (because they were all picking on her and she was very unhappy) so I managed to lure him into the big shed where he tried to hang himself from the pen by his back leg.  This was not good but he has had painkillers and his leg sprayed.  I will keep an eye on him.

It’s been a very long day and I am exhausted.  Some of my evening chores will be left.  I just can’t do any more.  Still, the shearer remarked that these were the cleanest sheep he has ever seen.  I smiled again inside.