I spent the morning at the local horse sale yesterday. I kept my hands firmly in my pockets though the few I saw sold in the main ring were not attracting much in the way of prices - bidding started at 200 gns for a 16yr old Welsh Cob mare - good sort - had bred foals and been ridden regularly. Withdrawn at 390 gns . . . That set the pattern for the prices . . .
Two friends about to be parted.
The palomino on the right reminded me so much of one I knew when I was a teenager - we called him Windy and he was such a poppet.
I love golden duns - I hope this one sold well.
Riding horses (rather liked the Roman nose on this one)
. . . and driving horses.
This little Shetland stallion didn't know he was little and had SUCH an attitude - as he was led across to his stall, he was screaming and striking out with his front feet!
They used to call these (1/4 or 1/2) Shire x cobs "Colliers" and there was a great demand for them in the mining areas of Wales.
Spots - I fear some local breeders think the demand is for the colour and not the attractiveness of good conformation of the equine wearing them . . . Poor lass (above) - quite the ugliest mare I have ever seen, spots or no.
Oh, I don't know how you resisted! I would be dangerous at a horse sale - agree, love the pretty coloured pony with roman nose and love the golden dun. My daughter has recently been learning to play polo (luckily at a local farm polo club - much, much cheaper!) and has been fortunate enough to ride some beautiful ponies - I'll try to post some photos soon!
ReplyDeleteWillow x
I had a couple of unfortunate experiences with horses in my teenage years and never had the opportunity to see if I could be won over since. I like -- love -- most animals. I feel sure given the right guidance and support I could learn to like them. I WANT to like them. But I think the opportunity is way past time now.
ReplyDeletehi- not sure how I got to your blog, but really enjoyed reading through your archives now I'm here!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the horse sale photos- a place that I'm banned from visiting in person as I CANNOT sit on my hands!
The last time was a visit to Ascot tb sales and there's certainly not enough room here to describe what we came home with!
Good luck with your house sale and re-location
xx
Like Chris, I can wish that riding and being easy around horses had been a part of my background. I admire them and I love our dear Pebbles. But I maintain that horses are capricious characters.
ReplyDeleteMy downfall has always been bringing home cats and kittens who were needy of a home. I daresay the housing and feeding issues for a horse are much greater. In fact, I have to recall Bob the Mule who was given to J. and was capable of escaping from any pasture.
We had horses when our daughter was a teenager and I enjoyed riding, but to be truthful I actually enjoy taking care of horses more than I do riding them.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post. I still have a 36 year old pony (welshxArab) but stopped riding due to lack of time.
ReplyDeleteI loved the golden dun too, very well made animal. Seems the bottom is falling out of horse prices at the moment but then everything else is dire too.