Early this morning I photographed garden views from above,
then wandered around at ground level photographing camellias, daffodils, comfrey, lamium, hyacinths and other views.
Afterwards Jackie and I took a drive into the forest.
As we entered Cadnam Common we noticed an equestrian crossing the road in front of us.
Jackie drove on and photographed what we think is a mule (the offspring of a male donkey and female horse) and its pony dam. Note the donkey head and long horse tail of the smaller animal.
Meanwhile, I focussed on ponies in the landscape, until
riding towards us approached the rider seen earlier. I told him that I was pleased he had come this way. “Why”, he asked and a pleasant conversation ensued between me and Christian, who also greeted Jackie in the car.
Christian takes part in the annual roundups known as The Drift, and has a mare at Boldre due to foal in May. I am invited to both events.
My new friend asked me to photograph his horse cantering towards me. I did so.
Upon studying the photos, as pictured by Jackie, he wasn’t happy with his tight grip on the reins,
so we did it all again.
It seems that for some, such as these Oxford Sandy and Black, and Saddleback pigs pannage has been extended. One of the spotted variety tolerated its attendant crow, while the other eagerly sploshed in the rather waterlogged verge.
At Brook, watched by an inquisitive rhea peeking through a hedge,
I focussed on a clamorous confusion of guinea fowl.
This evening Jackie produced tender roast lamb, crisp roast potatoes, crunchy carrots, cauliflower and broccoli, and brassica in the form of cauliflower leaves, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Nero di Troia.
That’s some excellent horsemanship. Love the guinea fowl. I heard they eat ticks.
Thank you very much, Sherry. Yes, they do eat dangerous ticks
That’s great! I had no idea guinea fowl dine on ticks. Very good to know… Lovely photos as always, Derrick! The mule is so cute!
I’m glad that you’ve made a new friend, Derrick! Great photos. ☺️????????
Thanks very much, John
You are welcome. ☺️
What a splendid day all the way around. Love the pictures, especially the picturesque pannage pigs. You made my day.
Thank you so much, Pat
How wonderful to make two new friends! They look so majestic as they canter! Did Christian’s horse have a name?
So wonderful to see the pigs, the ponies, and the birds! And, oh, Jackie….I love your beautiful photos of that handsome mule!
(((HUGS))) 🙂 ❤️❤️
PS…I spotted some garden owl sentries!
Thank you very much, Carolyn. I’m kicking myself for not asking the horse’s name. Perhaps I’ll be able to add it. X
Flowers and animals and a good dinner! You can’t ask for more!
Thanks very much, Luanne. That’s right
You’re welcome!
That brown pig looks really big. I wonder if anybody anywhere has either ridden a pig regularly or used them to pull a vehicle of some kind?
There is one woman who walks one around on a lead in Burley, John. Thanks very much
I remember your previous photos of The Drift! They reminded me of Faulkner’s “Spotted Horses.” I’m loving your daffodils, so bright and cheerful.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I expect the rider was very pleased with your efforts. I look forward to your photographs when you meet him again.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
I greatly enjoyed this post which brought back memories of riding the gray mare I owned briefly in my early 20s. Cantering through a field was the best! I’m so glad you met Christian and admire that he wanted to improve his form.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
The WP reader is giving me more problems at the moment with multiple blogs and I am unable to like posts and comments from it. I did enjoy this post very much, gardens, forest drive, ponies and pigs. The young mule was interesting, as was the cantering grey horse and his rider Christian.. I am surprised you don’t see more mules given the free mixing of ponies and donkeys.
Thank you so much, Lavinia. I am sorry you are having such problems with the reader. Maybe we just haven’t noticed the mules
I can get at “like” on some blogs using circuitous routes. It is not easy now.
As far as the WP problem I am having, see the forum link below.
https://wordpress.com/forums/topic/wordpress-reader-update-problem/#post-3936377
What a pain
Even non-equestrian me can tell that Christian knew what he was doing; I suspect he and his horse have been riding together for some time. It’s a beautiful horse, too. It’s fun that you’ll have a chance for future meetings.
Thank you very much, Linda
I love seeing riders cantering across open fields – having admired two only a few days ago here. I also enjoyed seeing the guinea fowl 🙂
Thank you very much, Anne
What a very busy day! I loved the images of Christian improving his handling, super photos.
Oh, the little mule, I wonder which community he will eventually join?
That’s a good thought about the mule – and Christian. Thanks very much Sue.
I’m pleased to hear it, after all, no one wants an ugly duckling. They only grow into swans in Fairy Tales.
So, Hans work your magic ????
Some posts, like these, emphasize the wonder and beauty of your part of the world. Christian’s Cadman Common Canter seems like something from the past.
Such beautiful photos today–from the aerial view of your garden on. I can’t pick a favorite.
Thank you so much, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful photos, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Jill
Your neighborhood never fails to amaze me!!
I hoped you would like that one, GP. Thanks very much
haha, how could you miss?
🙂
I, too, was with taken with the mule. I hope he finds his place, even though he’s a combination. An either/or or a neither/nor? At any rate, as a Franco-American, I certainly identify with him.
Thanks very much, Laurie. Your identification is enlightening
The header is awesome! In fact, all of the photos are awesome. I love seeing the animals in their natural habitat.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
What a lovely post all ’round, Derrick. Lovely photos. 🙂
Thank you very much, Dale
My pleasure.
Thanks for the varied photos Derrick. My heart always goes out to donkeys…xx
Thank you very much, Joy
Very spring like
What a full day. Spring brings out the best in nature and hopefully us ????
Thank you very much, Val
The garden is in full spring! You did a nice photo shoot!
Thanks very much, Ribana
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Getting caught up on my readers, I was delighted to see “camellias, daffodils, comfrey, lamium (what are they?), hyacinths and other views” in your increasingly beautiful garden. Thanks for sharing your springtime with us, {{{Derrick}}}. Ours is at least a month away.
Thank you so much, Jan. Lamium is weed – excellent for ground cover
Thank you for the vocabulary lesson.
I am glad to hear of this collaboration. It seems like parties on both sides got something out of it. I found the photos to be enjoyable – love the action shots.
Thank you so much, Crystal