On a much hotter day of full sunshine I carried out a dead heading session in the garden before accompanying Jackie to Lidl for a shopping trip, after which we took a forest drive during which,
apart from a few ponies annoying already hot and bothered drivers outside Beaulieu, there was scarcely any sign of life until we reached Hatchet Pond.
A couple of dog owners allowed their barking midgets to harry the unperturbed ponies
before moving off to reflect on the pond.
One pony improvised with a tree as a parasol;
two others, plagued with flies, remained in the open, seeking sustenance from among the stones. Barely a second separated the shots of the grey systematically shaking the persistent diptera from its muzzle; its companion calmly tolerated the irritation.
A young boy, watched by two sunbathers, enjoyed a paddle. He had seen some fish and was attempting to catch one in his hands.
The hedgerows throughout our trip were dotted with clusters of berries, including rowan, hawthorn, and blackberries in various stages of development.
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s tasty fusilli arrabbiata with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Côtes du Rhône Villages.
Great photos, as always. Do the ponies ever go in the water?
They do – but perhaps they know that there are deep areas of this pond, with treacherous currents. Thanks very much, Merril
Oh–good point. They do probably remember and tell each other.
🙂
You certainly captured that hot humid fly infested summer time feeling. ????????????
Thank you so much, Pat
I truly enjoyed the black and white photos.
I hoped you would, Dolly. Thank you very much
The pleasure is mine, Derrick.
I often wonder why God created flies and mosquitoes. Such pests!!
Indeed. Thanks very much Jan
Are there expected behaviors around the ponies? Are people supposed to stop their dogs from bothering them?
They are – it is an offence, but some people ignore the notices. Thanks very much, Elizabeth
How dreadful. I would expect better behavior around such a treasure.
So glad it a rule! But you can always count on someone to disregard.
I enjoy the fact that even a shopping trip is turned into a pleasant expedition.
Thanks very much, Anne
I particularly like the header photo. Ripples upon ripples.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcoome, Derrick.
Yes! They go on forever!
🙂
It looks hot and humid, Derrick, it’s nice to see folks out and about though. ????????????
Yes. Only by the water, though. Thanks very much, John
☺️☺️
Why these people refuse to keep dogs on a short lead is beyond me.
We have signs on the public footpaths that run through fields asking dog owners to keep their animals on a lead.
All it takes is a sharp kick by an over-heated pony running out of patience or a mother protecting a foal, and the small dog could be a gonner!
There are many signs in the forest warning of the offence of worrying livestock. The one man I tackled on this was unconcerned. I haven’t bothered since. Thanks very much, Sue.
Pond, peoples, pups, ponies!
Your rippling pond photos are so beautiful!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
PS…”Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” – Dalai Lama
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
The brambles look very inviting. Do you ever pick them?
We don’t, Tootlepedal. Thank you very much
Love the water pictures.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Love these ponies, they look so calm.
Thanks very much, Arlene
My doggie Frankie is very quiet and shy with the horses at the Moorabool Valley Chocolate Cafe … he thinks they are very big dogs!
Thanks very much, Ivor. Sensible Frankie
These ponies are patient. The harrying dogs are lucky they didn’t get kicked. I saw a little dog who wandered into a pasture get hurt by horses.
Thanks very much, JoAnna
Beautiful shots of the ponies! I love that you visit Lidl, too. It’s a popular store here in the Carolinas.
Here, too. Thanks very much, Jill
Blackberry and Apple Pie?
There are enough. Thanks very much, Sheree
I can never understand why anybody would want to have one on those yap-yap-yap dogs, still less a pack of them!
Agreed. Thanks very much, John
Another outstanding post.
The black and white photos are fabulous
Thank you very much, Luisa
You’re so welcome!
Some great photographs there Derrick! Thank you.
Much appreciated, Joy
Wonderful photos and narration, Derrick. My favorite photo is Two Ponies Passing Boy in Hatchet Pond. Well done!
Thank you so much, Ed
Do you pick berries? I remember picking blackberries as a child in London.
I did as a child, but don’t now, Sherry. Thanks very much
A child’s activity ????
Could be
I love fresh blackberries! I agree, my favorite photo today is the one of two ponies passing by the boy in the pond.
The dog owners who let their pets harass the ponies should be aware that horses and ponies may kick or stomp. I knew of one dog, an Irish setter, that was kicked after nipping at the heels of a horse. The kick ruptured the diaphragm and the dog had to be put to sleep.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. I no longer bother to warn them. There are enough notices warning against worrying livestock
I love the black and white photos, especially the header.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Looks like a fun day for all at the pond! Those berries look delicious.
Thank you very much, Dwight
I smiled when I read you were shopping at Lidl because we now have a Lidl near us in the U.S. ????
Thanks very much, Barbara. They get everywhere
I don’t imagine the cabriolets have air conditioning, but do other cars there have it? I think pretty much all cars sold in the USA come with it after about the 1980s, though I survived three cars earlier than that without it, two VW’s and an Audi.
All our cars do have it now, Doug. Thanks very much
It was a silly question, but I was curious.
Beautiful selection of images, Derrick. I also love the black and white ones.
Thank you very much, Dale
????
I guess my emojis don’t transfer 🙂
You are not the only one, Dale
????
In the need of a deep 🙂 Sooo many berries 🙂
Thank you very much, Ribana