Added benefits of horse ownership

pottamus

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I see so many wonderful things when out in the field with my horse or riding, wildlife, dewy spider webs, sunrise, low lying fog over a beautiful landscape..... but last night was the best yet!
I was walking along my electric fence line checking it as ever in the pitch black and my head torch on and as I approached the last but one post, there sat on top of it no more than a stretched arm width away was a beautiful tawny owl, just sat there watching me, so close I could touch it.
I have not seen anything so special and wonderful in a very long time, especially at that close quarters. It flew off after about 6 or so seconds, but I was privilaged to see it so close....amazing. And all because I have my horsey to do....how lucky am I.
 

grandmaweloveyou

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Same. Had one so close to me on Saturday! Rode for 4 hours yesterday with a new HHO friend and we said how very lucky we were.

My OH is desperate to sort something 'special' for my birthday and cannot understand how I just 'want to trot round here for they day!'

This morning is my 1st jumping clinic so I may be on here later berrating riding & slating it from a broken boned bed haha. The other side of the coin!
 

The Fuzzy Furry

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Yep, I love going to the yard on early mornings :)
Owls, bats (in the summer) and other furry/feathered things - makes you so aware of your surroundings - just can't believe those who wander around with earphones in, totally in their own world missing out on it all!
 

unicorndreams

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My added benefits have been seeing a weasel bounding along the path in front of us and a badger snuffling along the hedgerows - and oftentimes we'll stop at the top of the bridlepath and just take in the view across the countryside, soak up the peace and beauty of it all
 

staceyn

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Robins in the stable breeding in winter then the swallows come, fox cubs in the field and deer and loads of spiders mice and ladybirds
 

Brightbay

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Lovely thread and so true :). Unexpected night time visits to the field, and I have seen owls, foxes and deer. During the day, especially in spring and summer, I can sit in the long grass watching the hares.

Riding out, I have been so close to young deer - I know if it had been me on my own, I wouldn't have seen them, but because they're used to the scent of horse, we can get right up close, and stand watching each other.

The hedgerow has a family of yellowhammers too - I have never seen them anywhere else!

The field at dawn with the dew patterns and tiny spiderwebs on the grass stalks is amazing too.

And I can't think of another reason to be able to learn and identify 6 different type of grass, but there's something very satisfying about looking at a mature grass sward and being able to distinguish a meadow with timothy and poas from a cow field full of rye :D
 

grandmaweloveyou

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The only weasel I saw was dragging a half dead rabbit across the road!!

I do love watching the foxes jump fences, the albino stag & his her we regularly stumble across oh & the swallows breeding in the stables every year dive- bombing our heads.

Last week we had 2 albino baby deer playing with our horses!!
 

Fransurrey

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I once found a young fledgeling owl when out riding. He was on a very low branch. I could have picked him up if I'd wanted. Bless, the little urchin shut his eyes as if to say, "If I can't see her, she can't see me!!" This is him...
248279_1891034089382_5221161_n.jpg
 

SatansLittleHelper

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I have keopt Great Grey Owls and also various hawks. I handreared a rescued baby Tawny a couple of years ago, they are beautiful.
Next year Im intending to get another Great Grey to train to fly from horse back for fun :D:D:D:D:D:D:D
 
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