28 September 2012- A sad day at Stockley...

It is with great sadness that we let you know that our handsome old shire, Ivan had to be put to sleep today.

He has brought us many years of happiness here on the farm, having been a member of the Stockley family for the past twelve years. 

We know that he has many followers and adoring fans who love to read his diary and to give him a cuddle when they visit the farm, so we know you'll miss him as much as we will :(

Thank you for reading his diary, we'll miss catching up on his gossip...

Jill, John and all the staff at Stockley Farm Park xxx 

27 September 2012- It's raining, it's pouring...

Wowee...this non-stop rain has turned my field into a lake!  I've come back into my stable to dry off, before Farmer John starts building an ark!  As I passed the office window, on my way in from the field, I noticed lots of small furry creatures climbing around their cage... I also spotted a small prickly ball, which the humans are calling Harriet?!  Very confusing... do let me know what these new animals are if you meet them this weekend.

Now I've come back into the stable yard, I've been having some pampering sessions.  The farrier came yesterday and put a sparkly set of new shoes on for me and today I've had a lovely long groom to make my coat nice and shiny :)

HOYS UPDATE: Honey's been telling me that she's been meeting fire breathing dragons as part of her games training - sounds abit scary to me! Only a few days to go before they're off to the NEC!

Ivan xxx

20 September 2012- Autumn has arrived!

Well, I'm back off my holidays and there are signs of autumn all over the farm.

I've been watching Farmer John in the fields, gathering the crops with those scary combine harvesters! They are even bigger than me!  The HUGE piles of oats drying in the barn are making me sooo hungry!!

Some of my stable mates have had a hair cut!  The clippers have been out & Duncan looks super sleek with his new style.  Honey is also keeping cool whilst doing her gymkhana games practise with her rider William.  Did you know that Honey is going to compete in the mounted games at the Horse of the Year Show this October?!  We are all so excited about it and have got our hooves crossed that she will bring back the Prince Phillip Cup!!  I'll keep you updated on her training!!!

Ivan xxxxx

06 September 2012- I'm off on hols - yipee!!

 Samson and I are off for  our late summer holidays....................lots of grass and some great sunbathing spots!

I'll keep in touch, though...................

28 June 2012- Naughty ponies

 Well - we had a bit of a laugh the other day.............Scottie and Rosie were very naughty!  They found a way through the fence and headed off for some of the greenest grass ever (which always seems to me to be on the other side of the fence).  

So now they're both looking a bit  rounder....................

23 June 2012- Haircut Day

 Well, that feels better!  At last I managed to fit a haircut into my busy schedule..............I had a wonderful clip and feel so much cooler for summer.  Pretty smart too, I hope you agree!

17 June 2012- At last, it's stopped raining!

 Well, what a wet few days!  At least there's always plenty going on here whatever the weather does to us.............everyone seems to be quite expert at rushing round changing arrangements so activities can be under shelter. 

Personally, I don't mind the rain, as my coat is specially made to keep me warm and dry.

The forecast is great for the next few days anyway, so it's sunbathing for me!

28 May 2012- In the shade on the hottest day

 Yesterday was pretty hot, but I was fine - started the day with a couple of hours sunbathing, then went indoors to a nice shady stable.  

Lots of visitors came and took my picture with them - I love meeting lots of children! 

25 May 2012- Hottest weekend of the year so far!

 Well, it's a bit hot for me today, but better than all the rain we've had for soooooooooooo long!

The visitors were bathing some of the pigs recently - could have done with that myself today.  It looks rather good fun. 

17 August 2011- Introduction to Ivan's Diary

Well for those who dont know me my name is Ivan and I live at Stockley Farm, I am the big shire horse and I have lots of friends on the yard which I will be introducing you to over the coming days, so make sure you keep reading my diary entries!!

Today I am going to introduce you to Duncan, he lives in the stable next to me, I like him because he is so small (he only comes up to my knee!!) and he is really really cheeky.

Duncan is really popular with all the children that visit the farm as he loves to be groomed, I think he would stand there all day as long as someone was brushing him..............oh that reminds me, I must dash as I'm late for my hair cut, it's so hot I need to keep my hair short to stay comfortable.

I cant wait to introduce you to more of my friends tomorrow, see you then   Ivan

13 February 2012- Start of Half-Term Week

This morning has been great, everyone on the farm has been working very hard to get the Farm ready for you all to come and see us.  All the animals have been talking about the day ahead, it's been along time since Christmas, when we last had visitor's to the farm.

Molly has had her baby, and all the baby lambs have just started to arrive, so come and see us this week and meet the gang.  No matter the weather there's lots to do and fun to be had.