Wednesday 28 June 2017

Royal Highland Show 2017 - #9 Ponies, Ponies, Ponies! (and Clydesdales)

After the coos, we moved on to the big stable block at the back where all the Highlands and Shetlands are housed during the show. Unfortunately the Welshies and other pony breeds seem to be kept away from public view which is a real shame.

On the way there we spotted a few decidedly un-ponylike creatures as some of the Clydesdales were readied for the harness turnout classes later on.

Clydesdales




Tacking up the heavies

Tacking up the heavies

Tacking up the heavies


Tacking up the heavies

Tacking up the heavies

Just next to the pony stables, one was tied up and getting what looked like a pretty thorough bathing session. He kept lipping at the metal fencing which was really cute.

Clydesdale Cleaning

After that brief interlude, we continued on to the ponies...

Miniature Shetlands seemed to be the in thing this year...

Miniature Shetlands

...but we ignored them when we spotted this little foal!

Shetland foal

Talk about cute!

Shetland foal

We got our first inkling that Tomás has magical horse scratching powers when he managed to find the foal's favourite itchy spot within moments. XD




A subtle reminder to equine artists - mapping isn't always really dramatic, and is usually just expressed by the white hairs overlapping the coloured parts.

Shetland

Highland pony
#aesthetic
One thing I really love about the pony stables is that the owners often decorate the stables to a frankly ridiculous degree, with lots of photographs, information and in this one's case, bunting and actual hanging baskets full of matching flowers!

Bunting!

Highland pony

There were a few more foals but not many were as confident as that first one and this little guy hid behind his mum the whole time we were there.

shetland foal

This is what happens when your Shetland goes mouldy!

Shetland

(joke, it's a somatic mutation of some kind I think XD)

Highland pony

Highland pony

If you painted this on a model without a reference I wouldn't believe it was real! XD

Shetland

Highland pony

Highland pony

Highland pony

'blep'

Highland pony

itchy3

Highland pony

Highland pony

 Highland pony

Highland pony

We'd nearly sent this pony to sleep by stroking its criminally soft nose - the bottom lip was going droopy, the eyes were closed, the head was getting lower...

Highland pony

...and then Tomás scratched behind its ear and this happened. XD

 photo itchy2 slower_zpsmxqvwhtw.gif


It was ridiculous!

Highland pony

Every time I tried it, nothing happened, though apparently ponies liked to pee on cue when Rory and I walked by which...isn't quite as good. I did manage to get a reaction out of one once!

Highland pony

*boop*

Highland pony

itchy1

itchy2 slower

Highland pony

'bluerghhhhhhhhhhpp'

Highland pony


We tore ourselves away from that one to look at some more Shetlands - I thought the minimal markings on this tobiano were quite interesting.

Shetland

What a gorgeous chestnut!

Shetland

Another unusual roany bit.

Shetland

I think this one had had enough. XD

Shetland

Highland pony

Highland pony

Highland pony


A post shared by Christine Sutcliffe (@lynkhart) on


I think the quote that best sums this one up is 'oh no, I don't think we can leave'

Highland pony

They were all so cuddly and soft and just, gahhhh, I want one.

Dapplesssss!

Highland pony

It's difficult to see here because of the mane, but there was some nice shoulder striping.

Highland pony

Dun going grey.

Highland pony

Highland pony

We saw a ghost pony!

Ghost pony! XD

(In other words, where hoof oil was clearly applied, lol)


Cobwebbing on an unusually shaded dun.

Highland pony

Highland pony

Highland pony

I don't know why, but the composition of this reminds me of a renaissance painting. XD

Highland pony

Highland pony

Some nice dorsal barring and shoulder striping.

Highland pony

Highland pony

Highland pony

Highland pony

Foal!

Highland pony foal

Highland pony

Highland pony

The softest of snoots

Highland pony

Highland pony

Some more cobwebbing!

Highland pony

Highland pony

Another foal, though this one was friendly enough for some fuss.

Highland pony foal

Highland pony foal

Highland pony foal

Highland pony foal

 Highland pony


A lesson in perspective. XD

Highland ponyHighland ponyHighland pony

roly poly

Colour-wise, I think this one was my favourite.

Highland pony

Highland pony

It was my favourite type of Highland too, a big, broad headed beefy one, all muscle and bone.

Highland pony

Highland pony

Highland pony

Highland pony

With great reluctance we left the stables. My feet were killing me and Magda insisted she'd starve if she didn't get some food right away, so off we went, in search of churros, though we ended up settling for doughnuts and my god, they were good!

Highland pony

Highland ponies


 Heavy Horse Turnout is next!

2 comments:

  1. What a lovely set of photos of you and your friends interacting with the horses and ponies! There is something spiritually soothing about being with animals; they're good for the soul.
    And what terrific reference material for future model painting, Christine. Some of the colors and markings on these Magnificent creatures is truly Amazing and your pictures will no doubt prove themselves invaluable for your up-coming projects!

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    Replies
    1. Definitely! If it wasn't for my poor aching feet I could have stayed there all day!

      Fingers crossed! I've got literally hundreds of bodies to paint so inevitably I'll end up painting at least one of these! XD

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