Guess what we were up to again yesterday?
Horses, horses, horses. Jake took us out for a wagon ride! He lifts that harness like it was light as a feather; I can barely haul it across the barn!
Before the ride, Gordon and I brushed the horses. It's pretty muddy outside right now. Gordon looked after Sarah.
I looked after Limerick. You know, he just doesn't look as huge in this photo as he does when I'm standing right next to him (I think I was on a little concrete edge here.) He is something like 17.2 hands tall. I'm just a bit over 5' 7" and the top of my head is a bit under Limerick's shoulder.
The horses love Jake (and Sam, who was busy yesterday and couldn't come out with us.)
We are learning how to harness up the horses. Jake makes it sound so simple but I keep screwing something up every time!
When they were all harnessed, the horses were led out across the mud by Jake and Gordon.
I swear we just grin ear-to-ear the whole time we are out with these lovely beasts.
Still snow left! It is supposed to hit 24C here by Friday, but when I walked to our woodlot today, I had to push through some snow that was over a foot deep.
The horses are getting hitched up to the wagon here.
Gordon held on to them while Jake got the nice seat that fits on those red posts.
And off we went down the road!
The horses are very used to traffic. Jake said they don't even flinch when a big transport truck goes by!
When we got onto a quieter dirt road, Jake handed me the reins for awhile. I was careful not to go into the ditch!
And here's a short video.
I can't wait to go out again!
Lovely. I used to drive a horse and trap when I was small, then here in France we had a trap that I hooked up to a visiting Welsh Cob. Wonderful feeling.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read that, I thought it said Welsh CORGI! :) But yes, isn't it a wonderful experience? We are talking about getting Haflingers, rather than starting out with bigger work horses. We'll see what happens!
DeleteI do love big horses - and Sarah and Limerick are absolutely beautiful. Truly lovely.
ReplyDeleteWe saw a pair of dappled grey Percherons for sale that were gorgeous. So many beautiful horses out there, but when we do buy, we'll be taking some experienced horse people with us!
DeleteThat must feel so good!
ReplyDeleteI just love it! Who knew I'd love it so much?
DeleteSuch beautiful gentle giants!
ReplyDeleteJane x
They are just so huge, but calm !
DeleteWhat a beautiful pair of horses. It would be such fun to go on a ride with them.
ReplyDeleteI could do it every day. :) Talk about living in the moment. It's my cup of tea.
DeleteThis is one of my favorite all time posts. I like how you got all the cob webby stuff in the barn.
ReplyDeleteHarnessing reminds me of a story. English homesteaders in our district used to take the harness apart buckle by buckle. Of course the next day it took forever to put it back together.
The horses won't go in the ditch. You'd have a hard time to persuade them to take the ditch!
I look forward to the horse posts as well as the bee posts.
Good to know about the ditch, Red! :) Driving the wagon was different from driving the sled. I didn't take the reins on the busy roads. Jake and his brother are both excellent with horses.
DeleteI will keep on with the horses posts whenever I can. :)
The only way to be able to stop and smell the roses! What a beautiful pair of horses to travel with, XOXO
ReplyDeleteIt sure does slow life down, in a really good way!
DeleteI love the sound they make as they pull you. They sure are magnificent beasts.
ReplyDeleteSo, well see you tomorrow. Any idea what time you will make it here? I'll be out very early with some of my kitty-clients and back by 10:30am. Coffee (or tea) will be on after that. Will lunch at the pub at 12:30 work? Can't wait to meet you two fun ladies.
We'll be there around 11:30-ish and we can't wait!!!
DeleteWhat fun! I love how you and Gordon can't keep the grins from your faces (I know the feeling). And I'm suffering from a lot of carriage envy. I've always wanted to have a driving horse and a doctors buggy. One of these days...
ReplyDeleteJanet