Shortly after 09:00 this morning, cow 72 and steers 220, 222, 227, 228, 271, and 1626 were grazing in the gorse bushes along the southern bank of Horse Pond. Youngster 230 was sheltering from the rain under the trees at the southeast corner of the pond. The group were all very friendly, coming over to say hello and accepting plenty of strokes and rubs. Despite being soaked, they didn't seem bothered in the slightest. Youngster 230's wound appeared clean and was continuing to heal nicely. He was more than happy for me to give it a good check before settling in for a long back scratch. Youngster 270 had been grazing in the woodland to the east of the pond but, by 09:40, came wandering along the path and greeted me with a loud moo. I noticed he had a graze on his right shoulder, but it didn't appear to be causing him any issues. After a neck scratch, he wandered into the pond for a drink.
By 09:55, the group had moved south onto the slope of Sandy Hill, where they joined cows 214, 234, and 940, along with steer 217, all grazing contentedly despite the rain, which was heavy at times. The girls were very friendly, each taking a break from grazing to come over, say hello, and enjoy some fuss. Youngster 217 was far more interested in the leaves from the silver birch trees but paused to say hello when I wandered over to give him a check. All thirteen cattle were happy, relaxed, and looking well.
At 10:15, steer 219 and the remaining six Sussex cattle were all lying down, relaxing and chewing their cud among the heather and bracken in the pasture near ///veal.uncouth.sake. They looked very comfortable despite the constant light rain and were happy to be approached, thoroughly enjoying neck and ear rubs. Cow 211 was especially friendly, returning the affection with gentle head rubs and licks. While spending some time with cow 1396, I noticed older steer 35 wandering past on the path to the northwest and decided to say my goodbyes and go after him.
By 10:40, steers 21, 33, and 35 had reached the northern bank of Horse Pond, where they all headed into the water for a refreshing drink. While in the pond, they spotted the group of thirteen grazing on the slope of Sandy Hill. Steers 33 and 35 both stopped to greet me before making a loop through the trees to the west of the pond to join the others. Older steer 21 was far more interested in a back scratch, so he stayed with me for a while before wandering off to catch up with the others. The boys were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.
Shortly after 11:00, I returned to where youngster 219 and the six Sussex cattle had been resting and found older steers 20 and 30 standing in the bracken just to the north. Both wandered over to join me and soon began relaxing and chewing their cud. After giving them a check, I returned to spend some more time with the others, while the boys continued resting. Youngster 219 soon got to his feet and came over for a long back scratch. At around 11:25, there was a particularly heavy downpour, and I decided to say my goodbyes, leaving them all resting peacefully.
The throw ropes on the orange lifebuoys on the north and south banks of Horse Pond were lying loose on the ground. I bundled both back into their casings to remove any temptation for the cattle to chew on the ropes.
The cattle were all good today.
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