On an only slightly cooler morning with the sun coming in and out, after a trip to the pharmacy at Milford on Sea we took drive along the coast before continuing inland.
A slight haze lay across the Isle of Wight while choppy waves slid back and forth on the wet shingle; sunlight stars glinted from rocks;
and columnar spray rose from breakwaters.
Gulls basking in the carpark occasionally took off on the wing;
couples passed rows of benches that were casting long shadows.
A thatched lych gate has been blown down in Hordle. Because vehicles cannot enter the grounds of the house beyond, the owners have placed a POST bin for deliveries.
Along Barrows Lane a robin perched on a gate through which a field containing horses could be seen beneath a sloping arboreal landscape.
When I left the car to photograph ponies in front of a house on the outskirts of Brockenhurst we noticed that one of a pair had a stick stuck in its collar.
This was clearly very difficult to dislodge. Because of the difference in size between the animals, I discerned that the one with the unwanted appendage was probably the foal of the other who was already becoming a bit twitchy at my interest. I felt I didn’t know enough to make a calm extraction, and decided to leave the task for someone who would have more knowledge.
What we needed was a Horse Whisperer in the form of John Corden.
This evening we reprised Jackie’s flavoursome sausages in red wine with fresh vegetables, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank Cahors Malbec 2019
I love the robin on the gate! It immediately reminded me of a vintage greeting card.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
A man has got to know his limits. That is one hairy foal. The pictures are gorgeous, as always.
Thank you so much, Pat
What adorable ponies. Poor little guy, I hope he got shed of that stick in his collar.
Thanks a lot, AnneMarie
I do hope that that poor pony has managed to extricate itself from the stick.
Your photos are always so gripping, and tell such a story, but I particularly love the shot of the couple walking – so much atmosphere… And that bench leg next to them… And the poor freezing seagull who looks so hunched up and chilly, despite his red tights…!
Thanks very much, Emma. We both liked your ‘red tights’
I love the sea photos, so vibrant and beautiful, and the cute ponies too. I hope the stick will be removed from the pony’s collar soon!
Thanks very much, John
A great variety of pictures today and they all look ‘cold’.
Thanks a lot, Bridget
An eventful post. Hope someone was able to remove the stick. I had never heard of a lych gate before and had to look it up. Oh, the things I learn from my blogging friends.
Thank you very much, Laurie. Holy Cats! You teach us, too
😉
You definitely have me intrigued with the stick in pony’s collar .. I hope someone sends you an answer Derrick …
Yes, Ivor. It didn’t seem to be bothering the pony, but it might as the animal fills out. Thanks a lot
I wouldn’t have known the blown over gate was a gate.
I hope someone removes the stick for that poor pony.
So many beautiful photos. The couple on promenade and the robin stood out for me, but there’s something about that house with the ponies out front. I really want to know more about it. Are those crosses on the roof?
Thanks very much, Merril. The house was built comparatively recently on the footprint of an old railway building – if you build in the new forest you must follow the earlier footprint. It is a traditional structure. On the roof the apparent crosses are roof finials – these are sold in a variety of designs – this one is fleur de lys.
Thank you, Derrick. 😀
I was sorry to see the fallen lych gate. Has it been damaged or will they just be able to pop it up straight again?
Difficult to tell about posts, but the thatch looks OK. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Probably a wise move to let someone else remove the stick. Beautiful shots, Derrick. I love the robin!
Thank you so much, Jill
What a wonderful mixed selection of photographs.
Thanks very much, Sue – and they still load almost instantly now
Oh, that is good news.
A lovely day of capturing the moments from the day ….good luck to pony with the stick❣️I enjoyed that robin shot 💛
Thanks very much, Val X
I remember that post and the astonishing horse surgery. Did this pony get attention it required?
We don’t know about the pony, but will look out for it in the future. Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Interesting photos. I love the phrase and accompanying photo for “sloping arboreal landscape.” If you get a chance to follow up on the pony with the stick headdress, let us know.
I will, JoAnna. Thanks very much
May God continue to bless and keep you and your family.
Happy holidays, just sending positive vibes to those I know.
Thank you so much, More
You are the chronicler of the neighbourhood too. The drive along the shoreline and the sloping arboured vistas dotted with ponies has yielded rich photographs.
Thank you very much, Uma
This is an interesting collection of photographs. Of course the robin stands out – because that’s what robins do. I like the power of the ‘columnar spray’ rising from the breakwaters.
Thank you very much, Anne. I’m pleased you appreciated the power of the spray
Your posts are always educational. I now know what a lych gate is, if I am ever asked to appear on The Chase, or Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
As I scrolled to the last photo, I thought “Hello! That fellow looks familiar.” And it was our John from Ballarat.
Thank you very much, Yvonne. John was so good with the ponies
Those first 6 photos really show Mother Nature’s mood today! 🙂
Love the B&W photos!
I hope the pony is okay now. That someone helped with the pony’s problem.
God bless people like The Horse Whisperer who helps the precious equine.
The little robin perched on the gate made me smile SO BIG! 🙂
((((HUGS)))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. A big X
What a nice day. It is a fact that seagulls always face the sun to ensure maximum benefit from the sun on their white breasts,
That makes sense, Andrew. Thanks a lot
To me, the leftmost stack of the Needles looks like a hedgehog, or do I need to start taking more water with it?
The hedgehog sits in plenty of it, John. Thanks a lot
Wonderful captures always accompanied by compelling comment. Your posts are always a pleasure to read. Thank you for sharing these moments!
I commend Mr. Corden for being a kind spirit with those wonderful animals! I love that house too!!
Thank you very much, GP
The photo of the robin is gorgeous and outdoes any of the photos I use from Pexels. Also, the lovely photo of the house with the ponies is something one would see on a Christmas card.
Thank you so much, Eugi
My pleasure, Derrick.
I miss your robin. Nice horse save.
Thank you very much, Sherry
lovely photographs for us today, Derrick. the robin photo stole my heart! :}
Thank you very much, Lola
Beautiful pictures.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
You’re welcome.
I remember that older post with John and the horse. Yes, it looks like you could have used his services here, too!
I’m sure, Lavinia. Thank you very much
love the sky in so many of the images – and interesting the highlighted section – so nice to have a place with so much history (even if limits like without gas)
Thanks a lot, Yvette
Gorgeous photos as always!
Thank you very much, Ribana
So glad the horse whisperer showed up! You were smart not to try it yourself, {{{Derrick}}} <3
Thanks very much, Jan X