A horse and a parrot have struck up an unusual friendship after they were introduced on the Parley Court estate in Dorset.
Robbie, eight, a traditional cob, and Smokey, 42, an African grey, now meet up regularly in the horse’s paddock.
Both animals belong to Alison Dewey who works on the site opposite Bournemouth Airport that is home to Parley equestrian and golf centres.
Earlier this year she decided to take Smokey back to the estate where he had lived with a previous owner.
When she stopped to feed Robbie she took Smokey with her to see what would happen.
The pair hit it off right away, appearing to enjoy each other’s company.
And now Alison, who lives in Creekmoor, Poole, takes Smokey to visit Robbie as often as she can.
She said: “I’ve had Robbie for two years and keep him at Parley where I work.
“Smokey I’ve had for three years and because he lived with a previous owner on the estate I decided to take him back to say hello.
“I stopped to feed Robbie and because Smokey was in the car I thought I’d introduce them.
“I wasn’t sure how they’d react, and at first they seemed quite curious about each other and then they became quite friendly.
“They only meet for a few minutes at a time, but they get excited when they see each other.”