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.