They should (and did) feature most prominently in the parade, coming in all sizes and shapes. Even someone who is not overly fond of horses has to admit they are beautiful animals, and it is a joy to see them well kept with shiny coats and strong muscles.
I am never quite sure how much a horse will actually be comfortable about such events. Some, like police horses, are of course trained to handle large crowds and noise. Others are visibly nervous, and I suspect the ones who wear ornamental harnesses with plenty of bells clanging so close to their ears are not really happy - if they could choose, they would never opt for such a dress-up.
But I hope that their owners know what they are doing, and take good care of their animals before, during and after the parade. Also, rules about animal welfare are relatively strict here, so I hope it is not too bad and the horses recover quickly from the stressful day they undoubtedly have.
Here goes!
These beautiful police horses open the parade. It is not all that often that I get to see police on horseback, but they are frequently at service during football matches in Stuttgart and at other events.
Not just my, but nearly everybody's favourites are the impressive Shire Horses - so much strength and beauty, so calmly presented! Look at the size of them seen from behind; their backs are higher than the man walking next to them!
Highly polished and perfectly groomed:
More muscle:
Well coiffed:
Elegant:
Another impressive hairdo:
These two were the only ones of this kind during the entire parade:
White...
As I said, they came in all shapes and sizes:
Having showed you all these horsey pictures does not mean there won't be any more horses in any of the next posts, but this was the bulk.
Well that was half a large cup of coffee's worth of admiration. I, too, love the Shires and Heavy Horses for their sheer quiet, unassuming, power and grace. However all the pictures were worthy of a really good look. I was a bit disappointed, though, not to learn what those people who were looking behind them were looking at. Curiosity is not one of my strong points but that aroused curiosity in me today.
ReplyDeleteWhich people do you mean, Graham?
DeletePower and grace - that's it, the perfect description of these large animals!
Picture 25 (and, to a lesser extent, 27)
DeleteI can certainly see why you took so many pictures :) I've never seen a parade with that many horses I think. Not all different like these, anyway. We do occasionally have riding police here too in connection with big events though.
ReplyDeleteSome years it seemed as if there were less horses and more other "stuff" in the parade, such as tractors and floats and many people in costumes. But this year, the Horse Market really lived up to its name.
DeleteWow, that's a LOT of clippity clopping horses, and they are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy other German friend, who lives in England, has two sweet aging horses and keeps me posted on their lives in the pasture. Her daughter just graduated with a PhD - her thesis was on the history of the British racehorse - her career will be in the world of horses!
The daughter of one of my clients has also studied something with horses (sorry, I don't really remember what subject exactly) and will make her career working with and for them.
DeleteWith many (brass) bands playing on the parade, you didn't actually hear that much from the horses themselves. There was the occasional quiet moment when you'd hear their steps, and a snort every now and then, but they were really quiet - I hope that was a sign of calmness.
Beautiful horses! When I was a little girl, every time we passed a pasture, I asked for a 🐎! My poor Dad, we lived in a rural area, I must have been such a pain. I know, I still am! ☺ I would have very much enjoyed observing these beautiful animals in this parade.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't every little girl want a horse? I know we did! Sometimes our parents took my sister and me to a place where you could ride a pony or a horse (depending on your size and whether you dared sitting on the big ones), of course the animals were lead by expert riders and it was just gentle, slow paces, no gallopping or jumping. We loved it!
DeleteWhat stunning creatures! Just stopping by to say hello. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteHello there - long time no see! I hope all is well with you, too :-)
DeleteWhat beautiful animals! And they all look so sleek and shining and well cared for! I haven't much experience with horses, but I think they're fascinating creatures.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Jennifer; as I mentioned in reply to another comment, I did ride a few times as a child, but never regularly and never long enough to form an attachment to any particular horse.
DeleteBeautiful pictures! I love horses too. Here near our house there is a big field and there are 5 horses standing there day and night, and my daughter and I often bring them food (they love carrots). So whenever they see us they come close to the fence so that they can get their food. I took riding lessons in Ireland but wasn't good at all, I was too afraid. I did ride a cute little Shetland pony though :)
ReplyDeleteAre the owners not looking properly after the horses near your house, Francesca? I'd report them to the authorities.
DeleteI think horses are among those beautiful creatures we can admire from a distance without necessarily having to be riders.
Lots of beautiful horses, as promised! 🐴
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them, Frances!
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