Harry Shorrock - Ullswater, The Lake District, 1961

Our patrol, Whymper patrol was split into two consisting of five (?) members. We were tasked with a two day treck with an overnight camp along the way to our destination which we had to reach using an ordanance survey map. On one leg we were transiting a large up hill fell. A team member said "look there's a deer over in the didtance". "It's not a deer it's a big dog" proffered another. We walked on and the creature which turned out to be a wild pony trotted towards us. We gathered around it and it began to sniff our rucksacs. It soon became animated and sniffed the rucksacs with vigor. Some boys became distressed as the animal became agressive to the extent of kicking us with its hind legs. I realised that we were in serious danger and far from help should any of us suffer a broken limb. What to do? It occured to me that the creature was hungry and smelt our rations. I took out a classic 'Outward Bound' packet of compressed dates wrapped in selophane. I tore open the packet a small amount and let the creature have a good sniff which animated it even more. I then threw the package with as much adrenilin fuled vigiour as I could and the animal raced off after it. "Run" I cried. we ran and ran and fortunately found a stone wall to get over. Later that day we reached our destination!
Harry Shorrock
Niagara Park NSW Australia