Soon after lunch we took a forest drive in hot temperatures between overcast clouds beginning to leak intermittent drizzle which called upon little stirring of the windscreen wipers until gradually requiring more regular rhythm, especially when large blobs gathered on branches splashed down beneath trees.
Heather is now colouring the moorland as seen on a slope at Crow Hill and the verges of Holmsley Passage
hugged by walkers as we passed.
A pony and foal grazed beyond the house at the bottom of the hill. Note the brand on the mare’s shoulder.
The pony planted on the road at Mockbeggar disdained to move from the time we approached; when Jackie negotiated us around her; while I disembarked to photograph others; to the time we departed. She may be there still.
Perhaps she considered there were too many equines and bovines on the green already.
One unfortunate animal blended freckles and flies.
Other carloads of people also disembarked to wander with the ponies;
a young heifer joined in the fun.
Cattle dotted the landscape alongside Abbotswell Road where an intriguing path led into the inviting woodland.
A very new donkey foal on Blissford Hill, its mother apparently unconcerned further up the slope, seemed unaware that anyone might be expecting it to budge.
Did you remember to note the earlier brand? Neither of the foals with branded mothers have yet received one. Their turn will come at the next annual roundup, known as the drift, when all ponies have a health check. https://derrickjknight.com/2016/08/30/the-drift/
This evening we dined on Jackie’s spicy pasta arrabbiata with tender broccoli in bowls in front of the TV whilst watching highlights of the second and third days of the second Test match between England and West Indies.
It would behoove humans to realize that equines rule. Fun post with lots of local color. In a month or two,the most beautiful pigs in the world, the pannage piggies, will be out and about.
Thank you very much, Pat. They will indeed. Behoove, I like
Beautiful animals, guys! ❤️😊
The heather is pretty.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I like the hustle and bustle (and staying put) of people and animals in your part of the world. Substitute carts for cars, and it could be a previous century.
I also love the heather–so pretty.
Thanks very much, Merril. As you know, we also have carts.
Yes, true. But there were cars in the photos. 🙂
Of course
All wonderful photos!
Especially love the donkey foal…havin’ a great hair day and finding it’s spot to view the world from! “Not budgin’ from my spot!” 🙂
Oh, those darn, pesky flies! (sad face)
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
I would have thought the donkey foal would have been cooler and more comfortable on the grass. Didn’t see today’s play but your description of Day 2 as having “highlights” wasn’t my opinion. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Quercus. The highlights were shining off the West Indies sixes
It’s like time stood still in your little village and that’s not a bad thing.
Thank you very much, Bridget
Feeling a bit foggy/rusty after my birthday celebration yesterday, and fabulous article and wonderful photos were a soothing salve for my blurry eyes …
Thank you so much, Ivor.
Good question!
Thanks very much, Sylvie
The goal on Blissford Hill is too cute.
I agree. Thanks very much, Geeta
Sorry foal
🙂
The first foal has an interesting color scheme. I think I would like to wander with the ponies and check on that little donkey with the cute haircut. Lovely heather on the slope.
Thank you so much, JoAnna. I, too, was fascinated by that foal’s colouring and the donkey’s fringe
Fabulous photos and commentary.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
Such a different world and a most gorgeous enchanting place! I am behooved to find it and to spend some time there! I would love to be so close to these magnificent animals! Thank you for sharing your beautiful life!
Much appreciated, Sweet
I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals of your part of the world!
Thank you very much, Anne
I really had fun on this tour!! Thank you both!!
Much appreciated by each of us, GP
Beautiful photos of the animals and the heather is gorgeous! The foal on Blissford Hill is so cute!
Thank you so much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Honestly, I never tire of seeing your photos – including, and maybe especially, the wandering animal neighbors in your neck of the woods.
Thank you very much, Ed
I love seeing all those animals allowed to roam free! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos with us.
Much appreciated, Jan
I love heather. I remember seeing it in Scotland when I was 6.
Thank you very much, Sherry
It is good to see your heather blooming. We are waiting for ours.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
I enjoy seeing the forest area and animals. Time is passing quickly, and I expect there will be a few Gloucester Old Spots among them before long. 🙂 I particularly loved that donkey foal. He looks like he has an interesting hairdo.
Thank you so much, Lavinia. They will be here before long
The head photo of the baby donkey oblivious to the traffic is adorable/
Thank you so much, Dolly
Our local sheep own the road and you have to carefully swing round them, they don’t move.
Thanks very much, Gary
I love the little donkey foal; it looks as though it’s wearing a headband.
Thanks very much, Sue
I’m beginning to think that all these beautiful animals are replacements for lawnmowers! 🤣
I always enjoy your animal posts. They deflect your love of nature and the beauty that surrounds you.
Thank you so much, Alys
You captured the expression on that sweet baby donkey so well
Thank you so much, Sheree
Love Heather! Love ponies! Love foals!
Thank you very much, Robbie