Broughton Gifford (Saturday 21st April 2018)

Sam and Archie were at the Bell On The Common representing the Wadworth Shires yesterday, their first publicity appearance of the year and the first chance I'd had to meet Sam properly. He is the horse in the foreground.

Sam joined the team last September in a swap with Monty, who is now in semi-retirement in Cardigan, ploughing fields and sharing company with other horses. Sam is seven now, so a year or two older than Archie, and has a similar friendly temperament to Monty, according to Callum who was minding the pair. You can just see Callum, and his wife Hannah is seated in the background.

Sam had been used to tractors in his past career and had to be trained to get used to town traffic, but learned quickly.

Both Sam and Archie were compliant with being stroked by all the visitors including myself. Max is now their oldest shire and has a lighter work load than the others. He is a multi award winning horse, due to be similarly retired when the team hear of a suitable young replacement. It's always great to see them.

L.
22.4.2018 (1130 hr)

Blip #2627 (#2377 + 250 archived blips taken 27.8.60-18.3.10)
Consecutive Blip #011
Blips/Extras In 2018 #070/265 + #21/100 Extras)
Day #2952 (579 gaps from 26.3.10)
LOTD #1771 (#1612 + 159 in archived blips)

Horses series
Shire Horses series
Wadworth Shires series

The Wadworth Shires At The Bell On The Common, 21 April 2018 (Flickr album of 22 photos)

Taken with Pentax K-50 (Red) and Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR kit lens (Red)

Lozarhythm Of The Day:
Belly - Starry Eyed (2018)
Tanya Donelly still on top form on this recording from Belly's forthcoming album, their first in 23 years. This was made available on a vinyl single on this day for Record Store Day.