I’m just returned from a few days back in the GTA visiting my best friend (who lives too far away); today I’m catching up on a few things, so I’ll simply share a few photos from a week ago, of the horses down the rail trail a little ways. Big, beautiful animals, with sweet temperaments. The farmer has about ten of them, all appearing to be drafts or draft-crosses, and I’m not sure what their story is. I’ve occasionally seen him out on his tractor doing work about the farm, and he doesn’t work his land, so they may not be put to any practical purpose… perhaps he just like draft horses. Sometimes, that’s all the reason you need.
Look at the neck on this one! Three of the horses are huge, with hooves literally the diameter of dinner plates. The pinto and the black horse are both regular-sized horses (perhaps 15hh/5ft at the withers), for comparison. Gentle giants.
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Ooh, I just want to climb aboard that furry sofa of a horse and rock off to the horizon. Love these photos. Horses are such fun to photograph! Draft horses, mo betta!
Wow, they’re beautiful! My mother grew up with horses and instilled a great love of them in us kids, so I’m in awe of these majestic animals.
Beautiful, they are so curious and sweet. the big ones look to be Belgians.
Gorgeous! Love draft horses . . . any horses, really!
Me, too, Julie! I’m trying to work up the courage to ask the farmer if I might ride them, around the pasture if nothing else.
I’m glad to hear your mother did you that favour, Jason! They’re beautiful animals, and most of them are so gentle despite their size. I grew up with horses so feel completely comfortable around them, but most of my friends are nervous because they’re so big.
I believe you’re right, Heather, thanks. I tend to get the different draft breeds mixed up (except the Clydes; they’re easy :).
Same here, Liza Lee! In my daydreaming I often think I’d like a gray thoroughbred-shire cross. I love the big chunky draft horses, and my favourite horse growing up was a thoroughbred I bonded with at the riding school where I took lessons.
Oooo, I sure love draft horses. I was one of those “horse crazy” girls as a kid, but was never able to talk my parents into getting one for me. I’m especially giddy about draft horses, mostly because of their great size and strength. My love of the Medieval Age in history has also influenced my appreciation of these war horses who carried armor-clad men to battle. If I am ever in a position to rescue a horse (or two), I’ll be looking for draft horses. I thoroughly enjoyed the photos!
On the BBC archaeology show Time Team, it was shown that the horses ridden during the Norman Conquest were actually small ponies. Humans were a bit smaller then, too. I wonder what they would have thought of your neighbour’s beauties?
Might have been just as well, Amber – they’re a lot of work, and expense, especially for a young girl. But for some kids might have been worth it! The medieval knights would have been a sight, wouldn’t they?
It’s interesting how much smaller people and their accompaniments were even a short couple centuries ago, Lavenderbay. I think of that, sometimes, when I’m visiting older buildings.