Horsepower
Like so many little girls, growing up I always wanted a pony. We had riding lessons in Hyde Park each week but the actual pony proved more of a challenge. Secure in the knowledge that we were extremely unlikely ever to win, my parents allowed my sisters and I to enter as many competitions as we could find to win a pony, which would have been tricky given we lived much of the year in a fourth floor mansion flat. We were not sure the lift would be strong enough but were willing to try.
Nevertheless, in the end, I did acquire a pony or two, who would live near my sisters’ boarding schools or join us in the holidays. To my mind, there were, and are, few better moments than burying my face in the neck of a pony with the familiar smell and feel of the mane and coat to love and cuddle. In fact my father, who far preferred the horsepower of cars to that of horses, called our ponies “the cuddlies”. He himself had a series of rather marvelous Bentleys in which he would sometimes drive out to watch us in a gymkhana for an hour or two.
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s bill for landscaping
Whenever the great 18th century garden designer Capability Brown arrived at somewhere like Highclere, his first step was to ride round the estate to get an understanding of the topography on which to base his plans. At Highclere, his colleague John Spyers spent three weeks so doing. It is no surprise therefore that many of the finest views and perspectives here today are still best observed from horseback: cars are too low to the ground and you cannot smell the trees, or be still for the wildlife if you are sitting beside a rumbling engine. Capability Brown often used the language of grammar to help his clients see his vision and imagine the future:
‘Now there said he, pointing his finger, ‘I make a comma, and there’ pointing to another spot, ‘where a more decided turn is proper, I make a colon; at another part, where an interruption is desirable to break the view, a parenthesis; now a full stop, and then I begin another subject'”.
But he was on horseback when he spoke these words!
Eons ago, horses changed our world when we learnt to harness their strength and to ride. In turn, we changed the world when we took “horsepower” and harnessed it to create the engines on which we rely today. At the turn of the 20th century, at the height of the Edwardian era, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon enjoyed racing both horses and cars, owning perhaps sixty cars and probably as many horses. In fact it was a car accident which led to him spending the winter months in Egypt but that is the start of another story.
The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was an early motoring enthusiast
Today’s cars are infinitely more practical with many more safety innovations than horses but I am not necessarily sure they are better in general for our health. Horses impel us to lead a more active and engaged life and you cannot just be a passenger. If my day gets too stressful, the best strategy is to walk down and call out to Phoebe, my Arab mare, to come and have a chat. She has extraordinary empathy and never fails me.
Currently we also have two chestnut yearlings looking out on the world in one large sloping field and our two little thoroughbred foals lying in the sun by their mothers in another. The latter listen for Maggie the groom’s car as that means food and attention. They sidle up asking for a scratch and stand bottom towards you so you can reach just above their tails. Twiggy will actually follow you, turning around to back into you, if she has had insufficient scratchies.
This coming week is Royal Ascot with its panoply of gleaming cars in the car parks and gleaming horses walking around the paddocks with so much promise of muscle and power. It is a great spectacle from the hats to the heels, and what is rather wonderful is that everyone has to wear name badges – so more relaxing than trying desperately to recall someone’s name and asking about children, or gardens, or where they are going on holiday, to try to gain a hint of who they are.
Instagram
When I was little I wanted a horse too. Tried everything, but it wasn’t till I was in my 30s that I finally achieved my goal. I miss that to this day.
They bring us so much pleasure whatever age we are.
I look forward to your blog entries and find them a peaceful, enlightening, and even spiritual start to my week. Your world is not mine, but having had the great pleasure of visiting Highclere, I imagine myself able to recall or understand the estate features and events you describe so beautifully. I hope you have a gorgeous hat for Ascot!
Thank you
Thank you for taking me away to a different time and place as I settle in to do work on a laptop for the day.
Thank you. I am doing something rather similar today as well.
Oh, I live on a fairly remote, quite manicured horse farm, with 500 acres of pasture and woodlands…..in addition to the sixty or so thoroughbreds and other fancy types stabled in the enormous barn that’s situated about thirty yards from my front porch. Every morning, I can watch from my drawing table/desk (I work at home) and watch a parade of twenty or so of the most spectacularly fit women (ranging from their twenties to their early seventies) pull up in their SUVS and then go striding vigorously off into the fields or barns. They have to be the most obviously athletically fit (think core-body strength) group of women I’ve ever seen that wasn’t an Olympic team.
Out walking the dogs, I speak with one or more of the ladies everyday (not that they ever have much time to spare; they’re here to ride and train). They’re generally quite amusing about this passion for horses. I don’t share it all…perhaps because I don’t happen to be female, but more likely because I grew up in the middle of a herd of twenty or more nasty-tempered Welsh mountain ponies…which fairly put me off ponies/horses forever, it seems.
That said? All the horses ARE beautiful, and the horse-ladies are generally amusing and a bit self-ironic about their shared passion. As one told me last week?……..”Teach a girl to love a horse when she’s five?…….and she’ll never be able to own a house of her own”.
That reminded me of my father’s admonishing me and my two brothers, when we were young “Never invest in a swimming pool, a beach house, or horses….make FRIENDS with folks who already have them”.
So, I’m lucky these days; I get to watch the horses and riders, paint the horses when I please, and the entire show is free-of-expense (for me, at least).
Thanks for the obviously evocative posting.
What a wonderful picture you paint of your home and the view from your workspace. I have to say your father’s advice is absolutely spot on!
Except for children and grandchildren, there is nothing more wonderful on God’s earth than horses and dogs. What a happy blog post to wake up to at 5:30 a.m.! While we’ve never had the pleasure of attending Ascot, we’re all attending its American “cousin”, the Kentucky Derby, next spring. If you can, please post a photo of you in the beautiful hat(s) you chose. We know it will be stunning.
I will try to take a picture or two for you, I am usually in a bit of a rush!
Oh when I was a child I had always wanted a pony to and I remember the day distinctly going to the local auction and sitting there with my dad and he started bidding on this beautiful Welsh Pony. Well turns out I finally got my pony and I was over the moon joyful. I used to so enjoy riding my pony down to my girlfriend’s house instead of riding my bike. He was pure black with a small white spot in the middle of his forehead and I just love him to pieces. One of the beautiful memories of my childhood. Although my dad did not tell my mom he was going to do that so she was kind of surprised
I too find that, particularly with pets, it is better if the left hand isn’t totally aware of what the right hand is doing!
What a fun post to read when I woke up this morning. Thanks for taking the time to post these for us!
Dear Judy……Given my previous remark concerning Welsh Mountain ponies, I probably should emphasize that the ones I grew up around were utterly untrained, unride-able, and generally inclined to bite (whenever possible) simply because they were simply left free to roam around the hillsides. They were fed well in the barns and received (I assume) adequate veterinary care…….but were otherwise regarded as my godfather as purely decorative objects. I was given one for my 11th birthday. I was told one could ride it. My brother intentionally loosened the saddle so that, when the pony took off, terrified-me spent a good ten minutes gripping the pommel and riding upside down as the ponies’s hooves pounded up and down. I haven’t been on a horse or pony since, despite living around hundreds of them over the years. I’ve stuck with my terriers for decades (Lord knows why, since they also bite people and are generally unwilling mounts). One of the horse ladies here at the farm recently told me that I simply needed to get a nice, old cat, and a gentle old horse. She was probably right.
—–david terry
quail roost farm
usa
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Horses are remarkable animals. We had a mustang for nine years in our field. She came from Colorado and was a rescue horse as whoever owned her previously had abused her. Upon arrival she trusted no one including her owner, a man. He leased our field for those nine years. I had a go with her having not grown up with horses( although my mother did riding in Hyde Park as well as Central Park as a child). I would just go down and sit in the field on a rock with her looking at me constantly with one eye. I sang the same song every time I went in there. She was terrified of being in a new place and would not come when called bucking and whinnying constantly. After about a month she walked toward me and allowed me to pat her and backed her end up so I could scratch her in the same manner as you described. From then on it was a slow advancement to win her over but in the end I was able to groom her and walk under her neck to get to the other side. I fed her and was able to get her halter on and off easily. We became fast friends and would come when I whistled and we had hours of pure contentment. The owner never had the same relationship as we had and that must have been because it was a man who mistreated her. Amazingly Bonita knew the difference between men and women handlers. I miss her every day.
Fondly,
Diana Squibb
South Florida
She sounds like a wonderful friend to you.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
From riding lessons as a girl to collecting Breyer horse models, I agree that horses are the stuff of dreams. They give us wonderful companionship, beautiful views of the world from “up high”, and fill the hours with their care. Many in my family are car enthusiasts but I prefer four- legged horsepower, and the smell of the barn over exhaust fumes!!
Have a wonderful week.
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
I couldn’t agree more!
There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse” said Winston Churchill.
I think that goes for girls too. I came to horse back riding rather late, but it is something I find so exciting, thrilling and calming all at the same time. It’s funny how animals are such better listeners than people sometimes.
They do listen and when with them we learn to listen to them
Good Morning!
I love starting my week by reading your blog. I plan Monday morning around it. I look forward to it knowing it will be a pleasure to immerses myself in the words you so eloquently put down on paper…(or lap top screen)!
We lived in Ohio in the country when I was a child. With all that space, I dreamed of a Shetland Pony like the ones I had read stories about.It never materialized though. As I shared before, all we got was a pig!!! Not quite the same…and though we tried, they are difficult to ride. LOL
Thank you so much for opening the door just a crack so we can peek in to get a glimpse of your most interesting world!
Have a great week.
Fondly,
Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida
Pigs are wonderful creatures, but less easy to saddle up! We have a marvellous miniature Shetland pony called Muffet.
I truly enjoy reading your blogs and I think you write with such peace and calmness
I absolutely love horses my self and growing up in Iceland I was so lucky to have lots of them around me all the time as most Icelandic horses live free and wild ❤️
Today I work with horses and humans and it’s truly amazing to see the incredible benefits that horses bring to us humans!
There naturen and there inner peace is amazing!
I live in the U.K. with my husband now and I have to come and visit Your beautiful Highclere castle ❤️
Thank you for all your wonderful blogs you write as they are truly special and I really enjoy them!
Thank you x
I have always had a love affair with horses, but we did not have the means or the place to keep one. I used to collect pictures of horses and draw them.
The closest I got to be with horses was one of our nearby neighbors. I would
go every day to their farm and hang my head over the fence looking at them,
wishng I could get closer to them. The man who looked after the horses saw
me and invited me to come over. I told him how much I loved horses so he
started to give me little jobs around the stables. Giving the horses their oats,
sweeping out the barn and best of all, he showed me how to groom a horse.
Later, I got to know the owners of these horses and found out that they were
racing them, they were trotters and would race pulling sulkies. The owners
invited me to come with them to the race track and see their horses in the
races. Afterwards, they allowed me to cool their horses off, walking them
around and then grooming them afterwards. I was on cloud nine!
So, that is my horse story, although I still don’t own a horse, I still have these
wonderful memories and the drawings that I made.
Wishing you the best with all your horses and the joy you get from being in
their company.
Carolyn Dear, Canada
Thank you for your story
I’m a new subscriber and am totally enjoying your observations, the historical articles and of course, the sharing of your beautiful home.
Thank you for sharing.
Jane
Byron Center, Michigan USA
I love starting my week by reading your blog.
I enjoy reading your comments!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I love horses. Yours are beautiful. There is nothing more pleasant than riding through the countryside in the Spring. To be able to just take in the sights and sounds away from the everyday hustle and bustle is such a refreshment.
Have a great week!
Mary Watkins
West Memphis, Arkansas
Thank you
Funny how the little girl in us never goes away. I started riding when I was 13 and got my first horse who I showed hunter jumper at 15. Fast forward about 40 years. Although not an adult horse owner over the intervening years, I kept gravitating back to riding. I tell all the parents at my barn that as their girls grow up, the horse bug never completely leaves. It just goes dormant to sometimes surface at really inconvenient times. I was over 40 when I went over my last jump without a horse and decided to end that part of my riding career. I now have an half Arabian Tobiano paint mare who, at present is strictly a show horse, and is recovering from a tendon issue, but seems pretty sound and I can tell, is really tired of walking and stall rest. I just also happen to have a really conservative trainer and a busy summer, so we are taking the time she needs. I am riding other barn horses for the moment. I am now showing western, but was doing Arabian arena “Hunt not to jump” up until last year. My first horse after starting back seriously still lives at the barn and still thinks I’m his mother. My last hunt mare, really did not want to show, (funny how they let you know that) so she is now living with a wonderful lady who does smaller shows and works with a lot of kids. My current horse was taught to beg for horse treats by raising a hoof, and she already has my number. In the US, and maybe in the UK, too, women of a certain age, are one of the biggest segment of horse buyers. In fact, my current horse came from a woman who is over 70, with 8 horses, and sold her mainly because she found a purebred she wanted to show instead. In the mean time, when I see your photos and think about riding around a place like Highclere, I confess to a little envy. I am strictly an arena rider, and I do like the challenge of spending large amounts of money to ride in circles for a $1.00 (US) ribbon. But as large as the US is, the show world of specific breeds is narrow and there is something to be said about hanging out at horse shows and connecting with friends and not so friends from barns around the country as well. However, someday, when the show bug finally runs its’ course, I do hope to ride in the wide open spaces.
I tend to set off in pursuit of some part of the farm to see or a fence that I gathered is broken!
Beautiful horses!
My Cousin had a horse, I rode Grampa’s mule.
He was downright hateful. Ha!
I’m invisioning Royal Ascot for beautiful hats and helpful name tags and of course, exemplary horses.
No mules allowed thank goodness!
I love hats!
Good morning from horse country in North Carolina, Lady Carnarvon.
Well, very close to the Sandhills in central NC where horse farms are A way of life for many families. Except for when the horse that I rode along a wooded switchback was spooked when my father’s horse in front of me was stung by a bee, I love horses. There is a non-profit nearby that teaches underprivileged girls the satisfaction of caring for an intelligent animal which senses emotional needs and can respond.
When we were at Highclere with a tour in 2013, we were on the back lawn near the gift shop when you and your horse came trotting down the hill to the stables. We waved!
Thank you for a story of early transportation!
Martha G.
Thank you!
Dear Martha, Living where I do (about 2 hours north of Pinehurst, etc), we have a local center/group that “does” horseback riding therapy for autistic children and teenagers. A good and fine friend of mine, who owns three horses herself, is highly involved with this program and volunteers twice per week…spending the entire afteroon with the children/young folks and the gentle horses. Apparently, the program works wonders for young folks afflicted with autism. Obviously, it wouldn’t “work” for everyone, but it is highly beneficial and productive for many of them. I greatly admire the work, and the volunteers’ patience and commitment.
sincerely,
david terry
quaiil roost farm
rougemont, nc
usa
It is great therapy!
I remember riding horses in Central Park in New York City. That was years ago, but I remember it being so relaxing. I also rode while in college as they did have horses too. Brings back some nice memories
Having a horse must be a universal dream of little girls. I too wanted one and often rented a horse on weekends to ride. My Dad called them “hay burners”, also known as money burners. I had the usual assortment of horse statues and drew them.
Also, due to the suburban areas we lived in, it would never happen. But I do remember my dream, and thank you for reminding me of it.
Val – San Diego, CA USA
My father always hoped we would grow out of our ponies… not really happened!!!
Lady Carnarvon
Thank you so much for the lovely blog today.
I especially loved the story of Capability Brown and the horses.
I live in Canada and look forward to seeing and hearing more.
Also the Downton Abbey movie and Highclere.
Kathleen MacDonald
Ontario Canada
Hello in Canada – thank you!
Thank you for the love you obviously have for your home. You are preserving it for your family and future. The weekly stories you share allow us a glimpse into a different world that is worth saving. Your efforts are truly appreciated.
You are too kind, all we can do is our best.
When I saw the title of this Monday’s blog, I thought “Oh boy, horses!” Love the photos of yours – They are wonderful babies and moms. Your Arab mare is very special. I grew up with horses on a cattle ranch in the coastal range of California. Back then, I prided myself by being able to scramble up on a bareback horse rather crablike, but with no help. The very patient little grey, Dusty, which was my favorite, bracing her legs just so, so I could do it without pulling us both over! We rode most of the summer and almost every weekend during the rest of each year. Ours liked to be scratched in the indent just where the shoulder meets the neck…….good times! Thanks so much for sharing your friends.
Greys do have a special place in our hearts.
Thanks again for a lovely start to my week! Will we see any of the horses when we are on the tour? Growing up in SF, CA the only horses I was exposed to were the police horses in our beautiful Golden Gate Park. When I became a Myotherapist we spent time at a ranch learning to work on these wonderful animals. I fell in love with them after I got over the fear of how BIG they were! I am excited beyond belief to come and visit this August. My hubby is starting to make fun with me about what an Anglophile I am – hee-hee… Needless to say I will be traveling with my cousin and he will be staying home with our cat – HA!
Sometimes the horses are being shod is the best entertainment for visitors – they may well be in fields visible as you arrive – when are you here?
August 8 afternoon !!!!
I should be here!
Wonderful – would love to meet you in person!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon
I love reading your Monday morning blog. So looking forward to the Downton Abbey movie in September. We loved our visit to your beautiful Highclere Castle in May but didn’t but we didn’t see your beautiful horses. Today’s reminder that it is Royal Ascot Week brings back many fond memories. My late husband published magazines on Thoroughbred Racing and we were invited to every major race in the U.S. and Canada which included days of parties and fancy hats. Have a wonderful week at Ascot.
Thank you!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Beautiful pictures as always. I love horses and dogs so It’s always a treat to see them in your blog.
I like that fact that Capability Brown rode on his horse to get the look and feel of the property. What an interesting and great way to work. Can’t say my office gives me that perspective lol!!
Have a great week!
Salutations!
Chantal
Thank you it is a busy week so I have turned to champagne…
Enjoy your flute of champagne! (c ;
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Did you really win a couple of ponies when you were young? I would never have that experience!! The most I have ever won is free tax accounting services for a year or 4 tickets to a local community theater!! Whether you won these ponies or acquired them by more legitimate means (this is jealousy talking) horses are the MOST BEAUTIFUL of all God’s creatures!! I look at pictures of you riding and admire your regal and quite aristoctatic bearing. My horse experience consists of me trying to force an uncooperative old nag though bush and thinking “Horses can’t be as bad as this.” Hoping anyway that they were not ( lol and quite robustly.) I don’t suppose you would equate my equestrian talent to anything but a cosmic joke!! Still, I admire horses and those who can ride, knowing I am not among their number!! I love your beautiful horses and pass along my best to you as well, Lady Carnarvon. have a lovely day!!
Warm Regards,
Ann Catherine Flood
We never won any ponies … by through friends I grew up on a Highland /Arab pony who really did talk.. so gentle and special
Thank you, Lady Carnarvon, for sharing your lovely memories with us! They reminded me of my own childhood dreams.
Growing up in California, I learned to ride horses on a large ranch and at a summer boarding school in Southern California. Each day, I rose at 5:30 and walked to the horse stalls. I’d brush my beautiful filly, clean the tack, and freshen up her stall. She’d reward me with a lovely ride in the ring that morning. The Italian girls rode English style while I, the California girl, preferred Western. My horse and I developed a wonderful relationship, and I learned many lessons about empathy and friendship that summer. My dreams of having a horse never came true, but I truly treasure those memories. Horses are amazing animals.
Hope you have a wonderful time at Ascot!
Stacey Brown
The Woodlands, Texas
P.S. Your photos are gorgeous!
Thank you!
Hello Lady Carnarvon,
What a coincidence, your blog and the TV screening of Secrets of Highclere on the YESTERDAY channel.
Missed the Labradors.
Perfect timing.
Well done.
Serendipity!
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
HAVE A LOVELY LOVELY SUMMER. I LOVE HORSES.HORSES ARE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS.
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO – SP
BRAZIL
Loved seeing the pictures of your beautiful horses. I always dreamed of having a palomino…probably because our western movie star back in the 40s and 50s, Roy Rogers, had Trigger. Trigger, his horse, was possibly more famous than he.
I am reading the sweetest book called JOEY written by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, who lived next door to Hope Reins. Hope Reins is a ranch with rescued horses, which have been neglected or even abandoned. Kim Tschirret owns and operates the ranch, which she runs to rehabilitate the horses and for special needs children to have the experience of the amazing empathy which horses can provide. The story is especially about Joey, a blind horse, but also the horses relationships with each other and with these special children. I recommend it to your equestrian readers.
Nancy Redmond
I always wanted a palomino too!
Thank you for such a lovely report. I did grow up with horses. In fact, I was riding before I was born. My mother refused to stop riding just because she was pregnant. Such great stories and what adventures growing up with the freedom I had to ride horseback, roam through pastures and woods, and my greatest pleasure was my small private Le Lac d’Ida. My small boat was powered by rowing & I’d drift to the middle. There, I’d read/write & dream of the future. Naturally, I wore a big hat to avoid sunburn.What a childhood!
Your weekly blog posting is always welcome. Living in such a well-known estate has its benefits/challenges. I do admire your commitment to creating a community based on the love your family has for Highclere & sharing it with us. Personally, the blog brings back good memories for me. Naturally, I still remember my favorite horse as a foal. He arrived at our home still being bottle-fed; it’s one of my earliest memories.
Again, thank you for your beautiful postings. I anticipate a trip to Highclere in the future & the beauty you so vividly describe.
Such a great post as usual Lady Carnarvon and how appropriate. It just so happens that I’m on vacation in Kentucky and surrounded by horses. They are magnificent creatures. I’ve been able to see babies just a few weeks old frolicking in the field with their mothers to seeing retired racing stallions out for stud. Hearing the hooves in the dirt as they are practicing, is an amazing and wonderful sound. Thanks for the other side and perspective.
Sandy
Davenport FL
Hello, just watched an interesting programme on Highclere castle on one of the freeview channels and it reminded me of a car my brother bought in the late 70,s it was a American Cadillac Brougham metallic blue, and when I looked at the log book the previous owner was your husbands father ,it still had your family crest carved into the wood on the doors .I wonder if your husband still remembers his father owning this car ?…Great car but not really practical for everyday town use .
Wonderful discovery! Call it serendipity or synchronicity; I so enjoy these reports. Have a wonderful week; hope you have your answer soon.
Ida
How amazing – have you got a photo?
Thanks for your quick reply ,sorry don,t think I have a photo but I do remember removing one of the Brougham badges at the time as a keepsake. As I said it was a great car but utimately proved to be much to expensive to keep and maintain and my brother had to let it go ……
Dear lady! It’s a pleasure wrinting to you from Argentina ! I’ve read your post about arabian horses, your dear Phoebe. I’ve an arabian male called Jhallid, and Cirila, a “criolla” , like we called here in Argentina.-
I love so much to see that beautiful place in England! “Downton Abbey” was the last serie that I saw completed and before that I studie about Lord Carnavon and his discoveries when I was a little child! it’s amazinf i?m writting to you now!
Enjoy that beautiful place for me! I’ve 1 Ha (2,5 Acres I supposse ?)and i take care of my dear and old horses (they have 30 years!) all weekends. they have their “wooden house” and during the week a dear person of mine take care oh them, I love them, and they love me a lot! Jhallid is mine and Cirila is the love of my husband. Jhallid kisses me ! It’s lovely!
Sorry about my english!!
With love
Adriana
Your English is wonderful – thank you for writing
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
As always, I love reading your blogs – best possible start to my weeks. I must confess, I am sure I’m the only one here…but I’ve never been astride a horse in my life. Apparently I am DEFINITELY missing out on something special. Well, something to add to the bucket list, if I’m not too old!
Thank you,
Joan Lerch
St. Louis, MO
Hi Joan- There is nothing like the feeling of riding a horse and breathing in that motion. I would encourage you to take lessons with a good trainer at a facility(training barn) who specializes in novices. If you like rocking chairs, practice sitting in the motion for 5 minutes at a time. Horses have different motions(gaits); matching a horse and novice rider is what lessons are all about. Wishing you the most awesome discovery on this path of adventure we call riding. Ida
I have been horse crazy from the time I was little. Love your very-pampered equine companions – they are so fortunate to be residing with you! I got a chuckle from the ‘scratchies’ story… I have volunteered at a equine rescue stable and the more recovered of the horses will do the same as far as asking for carrots, a scratch, or a hug. Your Arab mare is stunning.
I have never been able to spend as much time around stables as I wanted, but I love those beautiful creatures always.
Thank you for the lovely pictures, both of the 4-footed and steel versions of ponies. Your posts are a treat to get in my inbox.
All the best to you, your family, and the rest of the staff, and have a great week ahead,
Cheers from Summerville, SC!
Natalie
Thank you !
When horse lovers get together, there is never a lack of things to talk about! Whether a person owns one or 20 or none, the passion for horses is something special. We are in the midst of our foaling season here on our Oklahoma ranch, with three foals on the ground and a few more to come, and of course, we are excited about them all! We are lucky to be able to sit on our porch and watch our mares and babies graze and play. Not every horse owner or lover is as fortunate so we are very appreciative of the blessings we enjoy. Thank you for sharing your love of horses with us as well as some of your childhood memories!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Nelson
Sallisaw, OK
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Greetings from Australia. Coincidentally shortly before reading your blog I watched, for about the third time, ‘Secrets of Highclere Castle’ and when I saw your post was about horsepower I was intrigued.
I did not own a pony as a child, but always wished for one. The opportunity arose when I had two small children who were ‘horse mad’ and we purchased two ponies, a Connemara for my eldest daughter, an Australian pony for the youngest and I bought a beautiful Arab mare.
With these ponies who lived to a great age and the horses which succeeded them, we spent many years riding together almost every day. Many of our happiest memories are of our time caring for and riding our beautiful companions. With changed circumstances and in my case age, we no longer ride, but treasure the wonderful memories of many years with our beloved horses. Thank you for reminding me of these times.
Kind regards
Gwllynes
I have a connemara too… Ollie, he is rather tall for a pony!
I too grew up madly horse crazy in a small fishing village on the eastern coast of the United States. My persistent begging lead to riding lessions and eventually a pony. From there, through a series of events and sheer determination and grit, I grew up to become a veterinarian for some of the grandest Thoroughbreds in the world, including a lovely bay mare by the name of Highclere, owned by a particlar monarch. From a horseless fishing village to the greenest grasses of Kentucky… and beyond. I’ve moved onto other adventures now, but oh what a ride! Dreams do happen.
What an amazing story – thank you!
I have always loved horses! What little girl doesn’t? But never fortunate enough to own one. They are certainly amazing creatures. I never realized how much they connect with humans until my son, who has Cerebral Palsy, started therapeutic horseback riding. He has difficulty walking but when he is sitting on a horse he is getting stretching and strengthening muscles rarely used. He has developed a special connection with a mare named Happy. A gentle soul and when my son rides her, he has an assurance and confidence not always seen. He doesn’t have freedom of movement most of the time but when he is riding Happy and guiding her around the ring he has some control. Happy can be difficult with other riders but with my son she has always been sweet and patient. It is wonderful to see them together!
What a wonderful experience for your son, I am sure horses understand much more about the human condition than we give them credit for.
Thanks for this horsey blog. I admire you very much for loving an old house, caring that it is in good condition to hand on to the next generations and enjoying the good things that particular life brings and putting up with the less wonderful things. I am tired of hearing of women who marry a certain lifestyle and then opt out when they find it too cumbersome. I have met the families abandoned by such women lately and feel so badly for ancient families. For me the love of my life was dogs, although I loved all the horses the tradesmen used. It was wartime in England and the tradesmen could deliver without using gasoline. I loved to give the horses little treats ..how gentle they were! Now, when I am in France, I can give treats to and pet, my friend’s horses. They know if I am at home and will not go by the house until they have a carrot or an apple. My friend says that they do the same at other houses too… I wonder who is the silliest one..certainly not the horses!
Girls, horses, cars, ascots – it’s our romantic destiny. I too as a child begged for a horse. My best friend in grade school treated me every Saturday to ride hers and yes learn grooming. You’re right – the smell of hay in the barn enthralled me. Fast forward to courting – my love wooed me in a Ford Boss Mustang. We’re still together 49 years later. We retired in the country with horses next door. I love to wake up to a whiny on Saturday morning. It always brings me home.
I was one of those horse mad little girls when growing up and it has never really left me. I never did get a horse but I was blessed to find a stable two miles from my house where I took lessons. I was in heaven! I waited 40 years for this! I rode everything from Clydesdales to Haflingers, some with some interesting bloodlines. When cooling down after a strenuous lesson, I’d tell my horse of the mighty exploits of his great-grandfather who ran on the Derby, or some such story as I led my companion around the ring to cool down. Such a privilege! I had to quit due to back problems; that was a very difficult thing to do. I still have those great memories, though, of the sweet smell of horse. ❤️
Lady Carnarvon,
I never had a pony. I was a city girl. But seen them at carnivals. Maybe some day I will have the nerve to ride one.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Thank you for the hospitality and photo opportunity during our visit to your castle recently, Lady Carnarvon.
Enjoyed reading your blogs!
Hope to stay in touch as we bridge heathcare brain science across the world starting in the UK and USA.
Rene and Wendy Anand
Lady Carnarvon,
Growing up in Arkansas as a child, i rode the neighbors horses whenever I could. Unfortunately, I had to stop when work, a career and then family arrived. Now at 72 I’ve taken up riding once more and have my own Horses to love and enjoy (they are American Saddlebreds) and a husband who encourages me and comes to every show! Sir Winston Churchill was absolutely correct when he said, “no hour spent in the saddle is ever wasted.” Thank you for sharing your stories and pictures of your lovely home and beautiful horses.
Hi Lady Carnarvon,
Talking horses…
I have just joined your blog and read the article in Hello magazine referring to your research into Highclere. I wanted to get in touch to let you know that my grandfather was groom to Lord Carnarvon 1904 to 1905 and with him in London before grandad returned to another war. (On horseback of course). We have a few memoirs…..
Thought it may be of interest.
Amazing – I would love to find out! Thank you and we can see what we have to share