My five this month are all from one of my final walk abouts at the farm that I rode at. I have been surprised at my own tears & the saddest that I feel in the farm being sold - especially to an unknown in our circle of the horse world. I have SO many wonderful memories from my time at the farm. Even though my horse, Joshua, has been gone many years, I continued to ride at the farm through part boarding or leasing a horse there. It is time to say goodbye. I give you five of the farm, although I could have easily posted 500 photos.
The front stone wall that was part of a cross country jump.
The pond which I never swam in but several boarders did - the people not the horses. Snapping turtles lived in this pond!
The indoor arena - thankful on so many rainy or snowy days.
The outdoor sand riding ring, shared by jumpers & dressage riders alike until two years ago, when we got a grass dressage ring - the jumpers were glad not to have to share.
Turn Out paddock, one of 10.
And now my Take Three Thursday - more of the farm:
In the beautiful Autumn light even the manure pile looks good (we bedded the horses on peat moss):
The flower boxes outside each stall
I can certainly understand your sadness; so many happy memories associated with this place! Are you looking for (or have you found) a new place to ride?
ReplyDeleteI am still looking. The horses that I use to borrow from my friends at this stable, all moved to a stable a fair distance from me & I hesitate to make it my connection because in winter it would be a scary drive. I am hopeful The Universe will present an opportunity, maybe one I haven't even thought of. :)
DeleteThat's a beautiful stable - very large by the looks of things. I can understand why you are so sad. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful location & I think that is what makes me so sad is that the new owner wants to gut so much. As of today, I have made this my last walkabout, time to let it go. ... Mary-Lou =^..^=
DeleteOh, it looks like a wonderful place & you have so many memories there! So glad you took these final snaps.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually taking horseback riding lessons this month - one of the items on m 50 Things list. I need to remember to snap a few photos of the equestrian center after my next lesson.
How exciting for you - are your riding English or Western? Looking forward to seeing your photo.
DeleteHow sad Mary-Lou. It is clearly a beautiful farm and so well kept. I can see why you loved spending so much time there. The pond is beautiful, especially with the reflection, but with snapping turtles I can see why you wouldn't want to swim in there! Peat Moss is quite a scarce commodity here in UK and to preserve the peat bogs alternative materials are being used in gardening. I can't imagine it being used here as a bedding material though I imagine it is very soft and absorbant. I do hope you find somewhere nearby where you can ride again. I'm sure the universe is looking out for you x
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking part in 5in5 this month, your photos are lovely, and hold many happy memories.
Thanks Sandie. I am sure Canadian peat bogs will soon be a protected area as we currently (Canada) supply 80% of the North American demand for it. Unfortunately while peat is natural, it is not a quick renewable source.
DeleteLooks like a lovely stable yard and what a waste if it is not to be used. I like the flowers outside the stables. I'm suprised horses didn't eat them!
ReplyDeleteThe flower boxes outside the stall windows were never accessible to the horses, the windows all had screens on them. The window boxes suffered mostly from raccoons, squirrels or cats digging in them!.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place, I can see why you feel so sad. Here's hoping the new owners will welcome you with open arms.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what the new owners are going to do with the farm, but you know I'll be keeping an ear out for any news of what's going on there.
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