New Forest Ponies - Harrier & Willow
March 6th 2009
We have had really bad weather this winter, but the Foresters have come through it really well, despite living out. They both have lovely shiny coats and have definitely grown. Willow and Harrier are both so well behaved. They have learned a lot over the winter and were both very good for the farrier and the vet when they had their feet and jabs done. They are incredibly close and adore each other.
Well, they do say "lean on me"!
Harrier has Bandit cornered. He didn't like it at all!!!
Is that mother with the dinner? Oh, no, just mother with the camera - again!
January 1st 2009. Harrier and Willow are technically 2 year olds as of today. In actual fact they are only 1 and a half. They have grown and grown up a lot in the past 6 months. They lead really well, come to call and are incredibly friendly. I hope to take them both into the show ring this year. I think that they both have a chance to do well. Here they are in their winter woollies.
Harrier and Willow on Boxing Day 2008
June 4th 2008.
Harrier & Willow were allowed into the long grass on the farm access road today and thought that it was just wonderful. Lots to explore and lots to eat!
They are such good friends, although Willow is definitely the boss. Harrier is moulting out to a very pretty soft chestnut colour with his most unusual multi coloured mane and tail. He is a seriously good looking chap with a very affectionate temperament. Willow knows that she is beautiful but is inclined to be more aloof - that is until she decides that she would like a big cuddle! Her liver chestnut coat is beginning to shine through her baby fluff. She is going to be the most lovely colour with a flaxen/hightlighted mane and tail.
They thoroughly enjoyed their change of scenery although they couldn't be in such rich grass for long. They were very good and returned to their own field when called + a litle bit of bribery!
They both have such beautiful heads. They were watching Rafferty who was showing off!
May 16th 2008.
Harrier & Willow have been with us for 2 months now and have really settled in.
Harrier is a total sucker for a lady with a brush in her hand and stands pulling silly faces for ages while I groom him. He looks a really scruffy urchin right now as he is half way through changing his coat. He has such a pretty face and gentle demeanour, however in midst brush he has the occasional colty moment, and no one was more surprised than me when he nipped me on the "bum" this morning! He is very nosy which makes taking his picture very difficult as he is usually breathing hot air up my camera lens.
See what I mean!
Willow is a gentle soul with attitude. She is a typical woman, wants to be the boss whilst using Harrier as her guardian and safety net. She tries to pinch his grub and yet she hides behind him if life gets a little scary.
Willow enjoying a siesta in the shade on a hot day. She is lying on the straw that we laid on the muddy mess they had made by the gate. Very comfy. She had no intention whatsoever of getting up so that I could take a nice picture of her. She too is changing her coat.
Very tired & relaxed.
March 2008
We started our latest equine project in March 2008 by buying our first 2 New Forest Pony yearlings. It is our intention to buy 2 yearlings each year, to teach them their manners, take them into the show ring and then when they are old enough have them professionally backed and schooled by our friend Sally Anne Pierson. They will have time off to grow up and then she will sre chool them, compete on them and when they are mature enough they will be sold on as beautifully mannered, well trained riding ponies.
The whole concept is very exciting as I adore the youngsters, the training and caring for them, but I do not want any more adult horses that need riding. 2 is quite enough for me to keep fit.
Our first filly is Woodrow Rosewood, known to us as Willow. She is a rich liver chestnut with a white star, strip and snip. She has the most lovely frosted mane and tail and is very pretty.
Willow the day that she arrived.
When we went to see Willow she was sharing a field with the most adorable chestnut roan gelding. He had only just been cut, wormed, branded and had his feet trimmed, so not surprisingly he was not feeling very sociable. He was however obviously totally devoted to Willow and so we bought him as well. He is a lovely chap and has really thawed out towards the human race. Unlike Willow he was born on the Forest. He is a gawky lad, but we believe that he will turn out to be a really handsome pony. His posh name is Hawkhill Harrier, but we call him Harrier.
Harrier the day that he arrived.
Such a dear little man with big ears and a very kind eye.
