It has now been almost ten years since Barney arrived at Wheathills from the Blue Cross. Barney came as a new companion for Harrods after the death of his friend, Sherman. Harrods and Sherman were much-loved village mascots, looked after by Tony and Eileen Haynes; but when Sherman passed away at the incredible age of forty three, Harrods was very lonely and needed a friend.

A year later the tiny and very nervous Blue Cross pony Troy joined the herd. Harrods lived for a couple more years, but he never really got over the loss of Sherman, his companion of nineteen years. Shortly after he sadly passed away fate seemed to intervene again, when, just before Christmas, another Shetland was looking for a good home. This was the gorgeous Smudge who, for almost two years was left in a field with his companion, Star, without any care. The rescued ponies were quite ill and Star sadly died in Hook Norton veterinary hospital. Smudge spent a year in good care but because of changed circumstances he needed a new home. There was nothing for it but, with the help of Mike and Sue Etherington-Smith, to hitch up the trailer and bring him to Wheathills. Smudge is a wise and forgiving mediator — Troy’s best friend and the only pony with whom Barney would ever share his hay. They love living in the paddock that for many years was home to Harrods and Sherman and, at Christmas, they get dressed up for a festive walk to wish the villagers a happy holiday.

Ann and Piotr Murasik