As the storms batter in, you definitely need wellies to look after ponies this early spring and possibly waders too.

The grandkids and I have been desperate to get the sledge out, but the snow has stayed resolutely at a higher level, where it looks pretty but can’t be much fun for hill farmers.

Luckily, we have a good supply of fragrant hay for the ladies (one Welsh and one Highland, both 22) who seem very fat (too fat for natives who really need to lose weight in the winter) and bright eyed, but they are elderly.

And, with yellow aconites in the garden – such a brave bright wee flower – and crocuses all around, spring will come and the shoes will go on. There will be a boot camp!

So much in the news these days refer to work the BHS is doing in Scotland to improve the lives of our equines.

Take the obesity issue that I just referred too which bothers society too. We have just started marketing this years Scottish Joint Equine Welfare Conference delivered annually by partners; World Horse Welfare, Scottish Government, The Donkey Sanctuary, Scottish SPCA and us.

‘Let’s Not Live with Laminitis’ is the title of the 2020 offer being held in Perthshire, on April 24, when we hope to turn the tables on this dreadful condition that is preventable in many cases by using the latest science and management.

The day will examine the pathology of this painful disease considering early signs, and the associated environmental, dietary and stress conditions that contribute to its occurrence.

Laminitis is a major welfare challenge for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules – anyone involved in the management of equines is welcome to attend. On-line bookings from the flowing link https://buytickets.at/bhsscotland/343929

And the dreadful coronavirus, which is a global emergency, focused our minds on improving biosecurity all around us with timely health messages around handwashing and tissue use.

Strangles and equine flu are big and current threats to our horses, luckily the BHS published this useful infographic last year and it’s a good succinct message for us all.