Saturday 26 April 2014

Meet and Greet at Arlington Court

One of the jobs during the day at Arlington Court stables is to have a 'Meet & Greet the ponies'.  The public love to get up close to these Exmoor ponies and ask questions about them plus give them a stroke.

We have two ponies currently at Arlington, more are being arranged for land management.  (Bovine TB has hit the main farm and hence there are not the cattle to clear the land. That will be a job for the ponies.  (Although this in itself will have to be managed, as Exmoor ponies have survived and thrived on rough vegetation, whereas the lovely grasslands of Arlington could prove too much for them if they are not controlled in their eating habits).  The ponies are currently on loan to Arlington Court from the Moorland Mousie Trust. 

Here's a couple of pictures of  Bergerac and Almond (with me holding).  I've other photos to share over the coming weeks and months, but thought this would start them off.
Photos are many Thanks to Elsie Roff for her wonderful photographic skills.






23 comments:

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

What a lovely pony. Great shot of it too. Is that you with it?

ann @ studiohyde said...

Yep that's me Cris! I'm not someone who usually likes their photo taken, I chose this one out of several Elsie Roff very kindly gave me, as I like the ponies expression, lol :-)

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

It's a great shot. You look more,like your daughter here. :)

ann @ studiohyde said...

Poor Lil ;)

Dartford Warbler said...

What a lovely job for you! Exmoors are so interesting. So unspoiled and close to the "original" native ponies. I have met a few Moorland Mousie ponies in the past , when a trainer friend from the Forest was involved with the centre. Incredibly sensitive but so rewarding when they do decide to be friends with humans.

Down by the sea said...

Lovely pictures it's nice to see one of you. Sarah x

Willow said...

WHat beautiful Ponies ~
and clearly one loves you ! :))

Joan Tavolott said...

He looks so friendly...perfect for a meet and greet!

Sharon Whitley said...

Wonderful photos - we will be visiting Exmoor later this year and hope to see some of these gorgeous ponies - I love our Welsh mountain ponies that roam the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia, real hardy creatures and always a pleasure to see!

Christine said...

beautiful photos, beautiful ponies!

robin cox walsh said...

Awwww, two cuties! :)

ann @ studiohyde said...

They are very hardy ponies DW and with that tend to be stubborn, it has kept them as survivors of course....in it's turn handling some can be a tad challenging ;) The one with me is Almond, who in the photo seems to be more interested in whether the photographer got his good side, lol. I wish I hadn't been blinking at that second, but never mind :-)

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Sarah, I usually don't like my photo taken. When we do the meet the greet I have no choice as people are constantly taking pictures of the horses, I just happen to be holding them, so by default end up in the pix.

ann @ studiohyde said...

I seem to have that effect on them Willow, lol :-)

ann @ studiohyde said...

This one is very friendly, and loves people.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Hope you visit Arlington Court, especially if it's a Friday, I'll be there.

ann @ studiohyde said...

:-)

Jez said...

Very interesting post, and so sad to hear about the bovine TB. Beautiful photographs Elsie has taken, and clearly there is great affection between you and Almond.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Yes, Elsie is an amazing photographer. As for me and Almond, for some reason I seem to have this affect on horses. A friend a few years ago had a horse who didn't like strangers or being held...I happened to stop by and was chatting away to her whilst her horse was standing next to us...without realising it, the next thing I know the horse is resting his head in my hands and falling asleep!!! go figure. lol.

CJ Kennedy said...

Nic pic of you and Almond. I love the I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille expression on him.

ann @ studiohyde said...

I know, he is so fickle, lol :-)

The Three Muleteers said...

Beautiful pictures! I just love Exmoors.... there's something of the mule about them ;-)

ann @ studiohyde said...

I know what you mean...they are definitely Smart :-)