Growing up I lived and breathed horses. My grandparents owned a boarding stable and I was on horseback before I could walk. I devoured Billy and Blaze, Marguerite Henry's Misty, the Black Stallion. I went through every copy of the Timber Trail Riders my aunt had saved. For years, next to the photograph of the ponies in the mist still in its shrink wrap, this poster hung on my wall. I memorized the shape, size and color of every breed listed.
In our area of the country we had Quarter horses and Arabians and Appalosas. As I grew up I occasionally spotted draft breeds or gaited horses. But it wasn't until we came to England that we met our first cobs with their flowing fetlocks.
Welsh Cobs are an ancient breed. They have pulled carts, hauled coal, ploughed fields and gone to war. Today they mostly carry delighted children and smaller adults in riding events. And greet grateful people like us at the fence.
Beautiful photography! Like most little girls, I dreamed of having a horse of my own... and some of my happiest memories are riding them at summer camp! +JMJ+
Posted by: annita | August 31, 2012 at 01:09 AM
Oh my gosh! Just like Bonny's Big Day in the James Herriot book! That's one of the girls' favorite stories.
Posted by: Rebecca | September 01, 2012 at 12:16 AM
Oh my!! Architecture and horses in the same shot, lovely!! Wonder if my legs and hips would hurt anymore around a Cob than a Quarterhorse? Could you do the research for me?
Posted by: Carole | September 01, 2012 at 03:54 AM
I am really just *squirming* with -- should I call it delight or jealousy? -- over the beautiful English countryside photos, Kim! So beautiful! LOVE the cobbs!
Posted by: Lisa | September 13, 2012 at 08:09 PM
Is it Ely, Kim? Oh I miss those scenes. Thank you for reminding how blessed I've been to have lived where you are now. :)
Posted by: Nissa | September 18, 2012 at 03:23 PM