3K
There is a peaceful routine around taking care of our horses. They are pretty low maintenance, I have neither the time nor the inclination to stable them, so they live up in a field behind the house, and in the winter they get to wear a blanket or two.
Not a day goes by however without going up to check on them, scratch an ear, make sure they have water and feed them with cereal or hay or both.
We have a pony and a horse, both good natured, but the pony is by far the brightest of the two.
Sometimes when the day is rushed I put off the moment to go to see them “I’ll just do that first,”, “I’ll finish this then go straight away” … but once I’m in my boots and out the door with Gibson at my side, I inevitably wonder why I was stalling. Come rain, sleet, sun or snow it is only pleasure.
If the sun is bright I may find them laying down and soaking up the heat, but otherwise they’ll be heads down grazing, rarely more than 10 paces apart.
It is always the pon, who sees me first, and makes that soft snorting noise that says “oh, there she is, wonder what she’s got for us”. The horse is always slower to react, but when he realises his pal may get to me before him he kick-starts with an energetic buck and canters over.
Iris checks my hands, my pockets, only interested in food; I swear that pony is a walking stomach. Jacquard forgives me if I have no treats for him and hangs around to have his head scratched, putting his ears down to my shoulder level to allow me to get to the bits that really matter.
We can stand like that for a while, Iris walking around me saying “so when are you going to feed us” and Jacquard with half shut eyes, drifting away into an ecstatic snooze and gradually leaning on my shoulder until his weight becomes uncomfortable. While this is going on Gibson is nose to the ground, gleaning helpful information on any animals that went through the field in the night.
Recently a lovely guest to our cottage said to me “but what would you do here if you didn’t have the blog to write?!”, I smiled thinking of the list of things that were awaiting my attention, but I didn’t even attempt to explain that a few minutes scratching a horse’s ear is one of the important moments in my day.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend; may you also have an ear to scratch and enjoy the simple pleasure of quiet company.
And a quick PS for the kind readers who have asked for news of Ghetto … the whirlwind returns, tomorrow for a week or so, so I’ll be able to show you his latest tricks!
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26 comments
I love your post this morning…nice way to wake up and enjoy a good read about a farm, horses and a dog…yes..I scratch a couple of stray cats ears in our yard too…your place looks wonderful…you are blessed to have so much land…all your own. Mel's Designs
Your words are so poetic and your kindness just false out of your pockets. So fun to read
I hear you in regard to the simple pleasure of quiet company. I enjoy the company of our pets. We camped in a State Forest during summer and really enjoyed the quiet, no power so no radios etc, just the wind in the trees and wildlife to observ. I must post some photos on my blog when I work out how to download them from the camera. Your farm looks breathtakingly beautiful.
I have to ask, who is Ghetto, is it the little wire-haired terrier, he is so cute and the dogs seem to enjoy each other's company.
Your valley is absolutely breathtaking – just like a painting! I had to smile at your guests question about what you would do without a blog. I gave up a full time career just over two years ago, to relocate to the English countryside with my husband and three children. I often have friends from London asking me how I fill my time now that I am not juggling a full time career. Sometimes I am at a loss for words to explain, as much of what I do now doesn't actually sound very 'brain taxing' when described individually. Yet at the same time there is never a spare minute in my day when I couldn't be 'getting on with something' – and yes, that does include Byron, my Jack Russell, getting a good ear scratching too! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. x
Beautiful post and pictures.
Such a peaceful post…perfectly lovely to wake up to these images!
I am also amused at your guest asking what would you do if you didn't blog. Well there's a family to take care of, a house to care for, cooking, cleaning, gardening, the guest cottage to care for, the horses, Gibson to walk, your online shop and scouring for brocante. And then there is visiting friends and friends visiting you, and writing your blog. Phew…that makes me very tired to think about it all.
Looking forward to seeing your horses and meeting Gibson, he looks adorable.
Enjoy your weekend,
Anne xx
So well stated, I enjoy the daily routine almost as much as riding. Wonderful post!
I also got a kick out of the naivete of the visitor to your cottage!
Thanks for sharing pictures of your lovely life – your horses and your dog 🙂
Oh the animals in our life are so wonderful aren't they? I just found your blog a few weeks ago and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I just recently bought a house with large piece of land to go with it. The way you feel about your place is how I feel about mine. So peaceful and so much to explore. Thank you for writing!
thank you for your post today, lovely thoughts came to me of it. you also have a lovely day.
Darlene N
What gorgeous photos! I love the horses! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jenniferxox
Oh la, this post just slayed me! A) it made me miss having horses BADLY and B) that last photo? with the paws intertwined? reaaaally makes me want to get a second pupper. Sigh.
We had a mare called Galanti that reminds me of Iris–lived for food! One day when I was about 12 I took her out for a late afternoon ride and apparently I stayed out a little too long. She got the bit in her mouth (she was also the queen of puffing out her belly when we would put the saddle on so that we would fall sideways on a hard trail) and then RAN full gallop all the way straight back INTO the barn to the grain bin! That shook me up I can tell you. :O
Dear cottage-visitor;
The beauty of this home and the guest cottage happens because of the owners devotion. The blog is a way of sharing the love with all of us.
{ps: I think My French Country Home – coffee table book should be up next}
Oh what a joy your post is today – I just love that view along the road and across the fields – it makes me take a deep breath and smile – thank you and have a lovely day.F x
This is just perfect post to end my day. Your horses are so sweet and I love the way you take the time to play with them. Your property is so beautiful!
Leslie
ah yes, in an ideal world everyone would have access to a pony to pat
what lovely horses you have…and wonderful countryside..!!!
https://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/
Love the yellow fields in April. Flax?
you are sharing fabulous pictures of animals, i love it.keep it up.Thanks a lot….
I am new to your blog. What a lovely land you live in! It is cold and rainy here in NJ USA. Your post brightened my day!
Such a beautiful, soothing post; such a lovely, pastoral landscape. What a life you have!
Your life in the country is so appealing. I would love to try it sometime. Your animals are all so great. I love Gibson but Ghetto holds a special place in my heart since he has such a mischievous look about his scruffy little face.
Karen
I discovered your blog recently and have enjoyed each new posting so much. I especially love when the animals get to be featured. I didn't even know until now that you had a horse and pony, how wonderful! I have yet to visit much of Normandy, but if I'm blessed to return to France I should like to seek out your place for a short visit!
Sugar to Jacquard and Iris and scratchy fingers to the pups from here in Manrattan…
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