High winds gusted and steady rain fell throughout the morning, only lifting at 2 p.m. when we set off to South Sway Lane in order visit our equine friend with the striking eyes.
Unbeknown to each other we both carried a carrot. Now we have a spare in the car.
First Jackie photographed a pheasant, because our friend was a long way down her field.
As soon as the nameless pony spotted us she made straight for our feeding station.
Stretching over the fence, she was most eager to relieve me of whatever I might have about my person. I held up my finger and enjoined her to wait until the Assistant Photographer was ready.
On Jackie’s say so I handed over the carrot, which between us we managed to
drop on the ground. “Now What?” neighed the pony.
“Have no fear,” I replied.picking it up. “I am here”. By this time I was confident I would not lose any fingers, and made a better fist of the process.
Perhaps I was getting a bit excited here.
The vegetable was gratefully received and rapidly consumed. Jackie produced this whole set of pictures, including those in which I do not feature.
We then proceeded to Woodpeckers to visit Mum who was on good form and very proud to display the Amaryllis which we had given her as a bulb for Christmas. It is apparently a talking point among the staff. Three blooms ar shown here, There are four more in bud.
The pencil drawing on the wall is one I made of Elizabeth when she was about 4 and I would have been 16.
By the late afternoon when we left the clouds had dissipated and we were treated to clear sunshine. Without the cloud cover the temperature dropped from 10 to 5 degrees.
The woodland along Balmer Lawn Road out of Brockenhurst was burnished by the sun; lichen glowed; shadows stretched fingers across the soggy ground, embracing the wide oak trunks;
numerous pools reflected trees and skies.
Jackie photographed me once more as I ventured across the muddy terrain.
In particular she was keen to catch me hoisting my trouser legs as I prepared to negotiate a watery ditch. Our blogging friend Quercus had recently suggested that she should produce a picture of such an event for his amusement. This one is for Quercus.
Such temporary lakes such as this at East Boldre are appearing all over the forest.
Further along the same road, as woodland gives way to moorland, grazing ponies do not have far to go for a drink.
This evening we dined on spicy pizza with fresh salad with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I finished the El Zumbido, Garnacha, Syrah.
Oh, too funny! And the last picture of the horse would go beautifully with the similar one you took of the cow.
A great post – I love the action shots! I identify with wading through mud and water for curiosity and photographs 🙂 My littlest son likes the upside down (reflected) pony 🙂
Thanks very much tiny and your littlest son.
Fabulous photos, as always, though I particularly like the ones of the trees.
Thanks very much, Sheree. The later afternoon light was just perfect for them.
Look at that pony’s big furry coat! And those trees with the really big branches look like something out of a ghost story! Very cool pictures 🙂
Thank you very much, M. B. Winter coat and ancient oaks.
What a great post. Stunning work.
Thank you very much, Gary.
You have quite nice moments with the ponies. Glad to here your mom is doing great. I love your picture of the Amaryllis and the pencil sketch too.
Thank you very much, Arlene.
Everyone should carry a spare carrot, don’t you think? You never know when you might find someone in need of a little nourishment, or at least an affectionate gesture. The trees are glorious, and isn’t it wonderful what a little sunlight will do?
Thanks very much, Linda. Such varied light in one day.
We are all grateful to Quercus and the photographer. Such sights cheer up the nation. Some lovely shots in the sunshine today.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal :). The forecasts are so accurate these days that we knew when to venture out.
I gave up trying to pick a favorite photo–this is such a great mix of funny and beautiful. Great team work, too. 🙂
Very many thanks, Merril.
Beautiful pastoral scenes!
Thank you very much, Cindy.
You two are too funny! 😌
So cute the pony enjoying her carrot 🥕😀
Thanks very much, Ribana
I loved these shots, Derrick! I thought there might be one of your climbing that tree. 🙂 The pony looks quite happy.
There are limits Jill!!!
A branch too far that would be, Jill 🙂 Thank you very much.
The pony and Derrick photos are wonderful, Jackie! You could always give the pony a special name of your own for her. 🙂
The forest scenes are always so lovely, and those big trees are impressive.
A lovely amaryllis! I like your sketch, too. You have a lot of artistic talent, Derrick. That is a beautiful sketch of your sister.
Thank you very much, Lavinia. I have been wondering about a name. Nugget, of course, was named by Jill Weatherholt. Just saying……..
I grew up across the street from a little pinto pony with one blue “watch” eye. Her name was Shonna. Every time I see a horse or pony with a watch eye I am reminded of her.
I’m pleased
Oh my! I just love all these photos. I love that big tree, and the ponies, of course and that photo of you navigating the water is so funny. That’s what I look like too when I’m trying to get to a good spot for a photo.
Thanks for the solidarity in particular, Lisa. 🙂
You bet! 😉
I love your poetry and the wide oak trunk with two arms. I remember feeding horses with an open palm to keep the fingers out of the way. It takes practice. Thanks for the chuckle on holding up your pants legs.
Thanks a lot, JoAnna. You are right about the open palm. I was just a little scared.
I understand. I’ve dropped a few carrots and treats in my history with horses.
🙂
Once again, I have enjoyed your reflection photos, Derrick. Of course, the entire set of you, the pony, and the carrot is delightful.
Thank you so much, Dolly.
You are very welcome, Derrick.
I like all of these, but my favorite is of you enjoining the pony to wait for her carrot until the photographer was ready. The hoisting of the pant legs comes in at a close second.
Thanks very much, Liz.
What a difference the sun makes after the gloomy weather you appear to have been experiencing. This is a wonderful array of interesting photographs. I hope that in time you might show us a closer view of your pencil drawing.
Here it is, Anne: https://derrickjknight.com/2019/09/12/decidedly-not-smart/
Thank you for reading, commenting, and asking.
Thank you very much, Derrick. A lot of work went into that!
🙂
Good Morning, Derrick.
Put your wellies on!
The refections are absolutely gorgeous, especially the one showing the pony, and it’s so clear!
A little tip for you, hold the carrot in the palm of your hand and hold out your hand flat, break or cut carrots in half, it’s easier for them to eat.
Thanks for the tips, Sue. I will follow them.
Saves on accidental finger nips!
🙂
Amusing and I just love the magnificent oaks.
Thank a lot, Sherry.
Looks like a wonderful day
Thank you very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
HA! I snort-laughed! Greatly enjoyed your conversation with the sweet pony…and The Gifting of the Carrot! YAY, you got it done! 😀
HA! Glad you didn’t get your pant legs muddy or wet! 😛
Jackie’s photos of you are so wonderful! I still think you should do a whole post of photos of you, (The GP) taken by Jackie (The AP!) 😀
Oh, so glad you all saw your Mum and she is doing well! The amaryllis is gorgeous! 🙂 I think your pencil sketch of Elizabeth is lovely! Such a treasure! 🙂
Love the tree photos, wowza! And the pony reflection photos are so beautiful! 🙂
HUGS!!! and stay warm, safe, dry, and mud-free! 😉
Thank you so much for your observant reading and comprehensive comments, Carolyn. X
Some very imposing trees in your Forest, Derrick, doing their best to keep their ‘feet’ out of the water.
There are some mighty oaks, Roland. Many thanks.
Did you forget your fins, Derrick? 😀
I did, Yoshimi 🙂 Thank you very much.
I especially like the oak trees, it could almost be Sherwood Forest!
Yes, but without the Major Oak 🙂 Thanks very much, Andrew
It’s good to see the sun out! My pony would never bite you, Derrick! But you do need to learn how to give it to him, hahaha
Those oak trees certainly have character, don’t they?
Got the feeding sorted. Actually I knew how to do it, but was a bit apprehensive. Next time I will do better. Thanks very much, GP
🙂
Glad to see you two were enjoying yourselves. Cute pictures. I especially liked the white and brown pony who posed for you with the the front hoof straight out.
Thanks very much, Cindy
I love watching you feed the pony! Very nice!
Thanks very much, Lynn
Haha! That looks a fun day out! I’m glad the pony nabbed her carrot in the end 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Peggy.
Beautiful photographs of the horses and their reflections.
Loved the one of yourself about to negotiate the ditch… Made me smile.
x
Thank you, Quercus, for ensuring we saw a pair of well tanned English legs!
Pale and pasty like any modern sensible Aussie. 🙂
That describes me
To a t.
🙂
I was going to ask if those gigantic trees were oaks. Wow. They are really impressive, as is your feeding technique. I prefer the flat hand with the food resting on it, but that always includes quite a bit of horse slobber.
Thanks very much, Lisa 🙂 We’ll see how I progress.
So many great photos from you both! I loved the horse-feeding sequence and the ditch-wading trousers. The trees and reflections are gorgeous!
Thank you very much Clare. I am pleased you liked it.
Oh so many Wonderful photos as usual. It is so fun to see you enjoying with ponies, and so on.
Much appreciated, Byung.
You are so welcome, Derrick.
I’m sorry I missed this at its original time, particularly as it was titled with me in mind. I know I read some posts on you feeding ponies but must have missed this one. It is a real classic and Jackie has caught the pony really well, especially the eye.
She has also caught the essential Derrick – eternally youthful in outlook, impish, intermittently dapper (that is a fine jacket), adventurous, camera-wearing, often on the edge of disaster and, of course, slightly mad.
Your photos are good too, but lack the essential element of a central character as focal point. 🙂
That was worth waiting for, Quercus – a description I shall treasure. Thanks ever so.
When I try to imagine life with you the first two words that actually come to mind are “Jackie” and “saint”. 🙂
🙂