Suddenly, it was warm.

Well, technically still freezing but sunny and, to us, warm. Charlie was ready to go and play, having found a ball in a puddle of meltwater.

The chickens ventured out on to the snow, something they're usually loath to do.

Freed from her blanket, Dixie had a good roll.

Austin didn't want to be bridled and so we had to chase him. Running after a horse in deep snow is a quick way to get warm.

Austin started this pursuit by jumping the fence here. He didn't take much of a run but it's only about four feet high and, he had help, he took off from a hapless chicken. The remains of the chicken can be seen on the ground. Graphic images of squashed chicken available on request, not much remains after a thrusting horse hoof lands on a bird.

There he is, hiding behind that donkey, waiting to see which way I go. He has speed, of course, but I have patience.

Got him. Note the stylish equestrian attire, wellies, snow pants, lead rope and halter strung around neck.

Not sure quite what happened here, Austin seems to have thrown Anna without her even being mounted. He can be wicked when he's a mind to be.

If the weather just holds for another day or so we shall eat barbecue and I'll face the final six months of this winter refreshed and calm.