I started riding back in the early eighties when I went to riding day camp. It was so much fun, that my parents couldn't stop me! Hopefully, I'll get my chance one day to own a horse, but until that day comes, I'll always be dreaming! The following are a few small pictures of Seaton Hackney, and its equestrian inhabitants, also a few pictures of my later riding places and its horses. If there are any unfamiliar terms, click on that word and it will take you to my small horse glossary.
Here is my first picture for you, it is my favorite breed, the Friesian. In the horse world, they are nicknamed the "Gentle Giants" because of their sweet, calm temperament. This breed is generally used for carriage drivingbecause of their great strength and high-stepping trot. Yet they are also quite enjoyable to ride under saddle. They are always a bright blue-black color,with very little white if there is any other markings. The long, flowing mane and tail on this particular horse is typical of the breed. The fur on the horse's legs (called feathers because of the way they span out) is also a characteristic of the breed. Friesians stand anywhere from 15 to 16 hands high (at least 5 feet at the shoulder). At the turn of the century, there were very few Friesian horses about and the breed was becoming extinct, but with the help of it's admirers, the breed is now flourishing once again. At the time I'm writing this, there is only one stable that deals exclusively with Friesian horses in New Jersey, by the name of Ca-Lyn farms.
Seaton Hackney
This is the old stable where I first fell in love with horses and riding. It's in Morristown, New Jersey, and the building is well over 100 years of age. It used to be a famous hackney racing stable (hence the name) during the turn of the 20th century. The stable was the subject of a few Courier & Ives prints as well. Now it is a county riding stable, where one can learn riding and occasionally explore the bridle trails of Loantaka park. Below are thumbnails of various horses that I used to ride while at Seaton Hackney. As with all of our animal friends, they eventually passed on, but seeing their photographs helps me relive those happy memories of my early riding days.
A large strawberry roan gelding named Duke that was almost like a dear friend.
Sonny Daze's temperament wasn't always great, but he was always a good teacher for me and the others that were lucky enough to ride him.
Cupcake is a pinto, and his temperament is as sweet as his name. Just don't ask him to canter to the left, LOL!
Washington was an institution at Seaton Hackney, where he taught hundreds of children to ride through the years.
Rain Dancer, is a picture that I photographed, then manipulated using Painter 4. There will be more horse artwork in the near future.
Comments, questions, answers? Please e-mail me at jadee@earthlink.net I'd love to get some feedback!
