That scary field shelter ...

As I spend much time with them I observe that they prefer to graze at the top of the field.

The views up there are far reaching and despite being at the top, it is the most sheltered spot of the field, partly because of the tall stone walls and also because of the general direction of the wind.

'Mr F' and 'Polly' wandering off into the distance ... 

This will be the field where 'Ester' and 'Polly' will spend the winter and a extra huge field shelter has been built with some remains of the old now demolished barn. I knew that 'Mr F' would be very pleased with having some shelter. However, 'Polly' wasn't very keen. I have seen 'Mr F' standing inside several times but each time there is windy weather, 'Polly' can't cope and spooks. 

You can see the fir trees (old Christmas trees) right behind the shelter. When there is a breeze, they do make quite a noise as the wind brushes through the needles. 'Polly' doesn't like that sound and so she runs off, making 'Mr F' to follow her, sometimes in anger almost because he doesn't want her to run off, he wants to stay inside the shelter but he also doesn't want to stay back on his own.

At first I had their haylage inside the shelter, but seeing just how much 'Polly' spooks I felt it more safe to have their feed outside. At least there they won't feel trapped.

'Mr F' relaxing inside the huge shelter - built for 'Ester', the shire mare.

'Mr F' coming out to check on 'Polly' who will only come near the shelter if it is near wind still.

The noise produced by the wind forcing its way through the pine needles covers up any other possible noise. I am quite sure that this is the reason why they don't go near the shelter when its windy; they cannot hear prospective predators (even though in all reality, there aren't any) approach. Instead they run off to the very top of the field, where there is a flat section right at the top, protected by tall stonewalls. It is even in windy weather fairly calm up there, although that depends on the wind direction.

Note to self: if I ever have my own farm and have to build a field shelter, don't build it anywhere near trees and check out the main wind direction.

'Mr F's silhouette

And so, on a windy but clear evening, they have wondered back up the hill where they probably spend most of the night.