Ponies On The Road

Causing us some speculation, a straight line of horse droppings ran in front of us along Christchurch Road this morning on our journey to the forest. Wild ponies would not breach the barrier fences even if they could approach near enough; it would be a rather stupid equestrian who would ride a horse along that tarmac – that left a horse and cart.

While we were wondering whether we would catch up with such a vehicle we fell in behind a slow moving line of traffic which suddenly caught up speed. Whatever had occasioned the ponderous pace must have turned off, we thought.

Then we spied a pony and trap conveniently tucked in beside the road. Both the driver and Jackie waited patiently for a lull in the traffic stream.

Soon we found ourselves following the transport from an earlier era, before eventually passing and exchanging waves with the leisurely travellers.

Pannage pigs of the Gloucester Old Spot breed burrowed among the acorn mast among the lower verges of Bull Hill, and along Jordans Lane, where Jackie parked the Modus and I stepped onto the still dry bed of the Pilley lake,

when a loud grunting behind me alerted me to the fact that this second group were clambering down the bank intent on joining

others seeking nourishment.

Gulls, geese, and swans, happily coexisted beside Beaulieu River.

Our return home along St Leonards Road was only briefly delayed by a bout of equine meandering.

This evening we dined on succulent roast chicken; crisp Yorkshire pudding; boiled new potatoes; firm broccoli and cauliflower; crunchy carrots; and meaty gravy, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden, I drank more of the Merlot, and Flo and Dillon abstained.

63 comments

  1. What wonderful horse and cart travel photos! Those two riders have to be very patient as they amble along…and those behind them even more patient-er! 😉 😀
    Porcine, Avian-ine (HA!) and Equine! Looks like a bit of a lazy, but good day for all of them! YAY! 🙂
    (((HUGS))) 🙂 ❤️

  2. It looks like you and Jackie had a nice, leisurely drive. (The term “Sunday driver” comes to mind. My dad is the only person I can remember ever using it.)

  3. I was also momentarily confused by seeing the horse cart going down the left side of the road and oncoming traffic on the right. 🙂

    That looks like a happy group of Gloucester Old Spot youngsters trying hard to put on girth with all the acorns about. My favorite pigs! Those flat noses look like they are very good at vacuuming up scents of tasty objects to be unearthed. No wonder pigs are used for truffle hunting, though as Peter Mayle described them, they are “small tractors on the verge of gastronomic delight.”

  4. Wonderful photos today, Derrick, of animals and landscapes. Is your photo situation resolved now? I think my favorite photo today is the meandering equines.

    1. Thank you very much, Merril. I’m pleased you liked that one – it was through the windscreen with the light just right. There is about another week to go before I get all my earlier pictures back.

  5. I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and happy ambiance of your article which is coinciding with my sunny Sunday morning, as we head towards a very pleasant 18’C …

  6. I’m glad you got to see the horse and cart – a treat from another era. Equine meandering sounds relaxing. The young pigs still remind me of dogs.

  7. I can be added to the list of those who enjoyed the weekend drive. Very relaxing it was too, well, apart from the thought of the herd of pigs rumbling down the hill behind you!

  8. An English friend visiting with an American friend and I took a road trip once. Imagine a straight road trailing off into the horizon, one of those common Western US roads where miles of flat land allow such roads. Imagine, too, that there are no vehicles in front, behind, or on the opposite lane for miles and miles. Imagine, too, this English driver on such an American road and her sudden impulse to switch over to the left lane…to the shock, horror, and surprise of her American passengers…. “Helen! You’re on the wrong side!” “”Not in England”, she calmly said. LOL! You English!

  9. Have not seen a trap in a long time. (My grandfather enjoyed taking all us grandkids for rides in his trap) A great set of images, Derrick. Glad you are getting your photo situation resolved.

  10. Great pictures, Derrick. The pigs look so cute and small, not sure if that is a trick of the camera. Most pigs around here would have me nervous.

    Believe it or not, when we go through Lancaster, PA, to visit my mom’s side of the family, we always get behind Amish horse and buggies, as we call them. They drive on hilly 50 mph roads and just count on us and God’s protection to keep them safe.

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