Friday 31 October 2014

Violette and Vidock Vendredi


Violette: It has been a quiet week here in rural France. The weather has been mostly OK and #1 has come to visit us regularly. I got major brushies and a treat bucket on Wednesday, but I have mainly been hanging out in my field:



Hello Again! Here I am at my water supply, which is at the end of the field nearest the gate:


Isn't it just the best thing to get a long, cool drink of water?


Oh, and I heard there was a request for "pink nose spot" photos. So here you are:



Vidock: Studly Neighs, EveryFriend! #1 says that the dappling on my coat is looking particularly fine at the moment:


As you can see, I was enjoying my treat bucket! When #1 arrives, she often sees only my bum as I am standing into my shelter, enjoying my hay. But as soon as she calls my name…


The Big V Cometh!


And I allowed #1 to take a special close-up of my pink nose spot!


We have one final item for you, because we thought you might find it interesting. We have often shown you pictures of us being shod by the farrier. But in fact, the majority of Percherons in France will not give their feet freely to be shod like that. And so, they are shod using special stocks that contain them, and allow their feet to be attached or held using ropes. Yesterday, #1 was there when champion Percheron stallion Titus was being shod. This is what it looks like:


Very different from us, right?


It's all a question of education, with well-mannered horses being taught when they are young to give their feet and stand still. #1 says she is very proud of both of us, but maybe especially of Violette who never even saw a farrier until she was almost three and who is now considered the perfect mare to shoe!

22 comments:

  1. You can be proud of you, you both behave very well ! You have lovely pink noses ! We can see that you begin to get your winter coat ! Purrs

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  2. I had no idea that you two were so more well-behaved than other French Percherons! You two are such sweethearts.

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  3. It's nice that you both are getting some dry and sunny weather for your new shoes. Love the pink noses.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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  4. WOW, you sure have nice pastures to roam and frolic in. I'd say you are living the good life there pals.

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  5. You look so awesome, Violette and Vidock in such beautiful landscape ! Purrs to you all !

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  6. Of course Violette would be co-operative since she is perfect in every way! :)

    We are still alive despite our spotty visiting!

    Hope all is well with all of you :)

    the critters in the cottage xo

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  7. Here in America it's the same way. Most farriers won't touch a draft without stocks. My horses and my sister's horses all stand quietly.

    Monty and Harlow

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  8. I'm glad you two are well behaved so you don't need that special stocks !

    XOXO

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  9. What pretty pink spots! You have such a beautiful life in a beautiful part of the world! We should all be as lucky.

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  10. I have never seen those shoeing stocks before. I am glad you both have good manners and don't need to be put in there to be shod.

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  11. Violette, you look lovely and yes, we all love a nice cold drink too. Mom keeps our water in the fridge so at least when she first pours it, it is nice and cold.

    Vidock - your coat is just fabulous - love all that dappling. And we are so glad you don't have to endure that torture chamber for shoeing.

    Happy Howl-o-ween!

    Boos and Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

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  12. Wow, both of you are incredibly calm about shoeing. Especially Violette having started at a later age. You guys are our truly impressive!

    Lizzie, Max & Tuck

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  13. Good to see you both so well, love the nose pics.

    Nice that you learned your manners about getting your feet taken care of.

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  14. We love your noses :)
    We are not surprised that you two are so well behaved. You two are simply awesome :)

    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure and JJ

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  15. Your pink nose spots is purrfect! And what good manners yous guys has!!! Mes is totally impresse!
    Kisses
    Nellie

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  16. That contraption looks scary. Good thing you two are so well behaved and don't have to use that thing. We loved seeing both your nose spots. Our mom sends you both kisses on them.

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  17. Vous avez tous les deux de magnifiques nez roses ...
    J'ai toujours vu des chevaux sages au ferrage. Je ne pensais pas que les percherons pouvaient poser problème.
    Bonne soirée
    Nat à Chat

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  18. You two are gorgeous as always and so well mannered!

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  19. Violette has the most kissable nose : )
    I did not know that percherons dislike being shod that much Thank you both for being so well behaved. You make #1 so proud!

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  21. Poor Titus!! We think Faran must have been done in stocks although it's not as common over here because he didn't know how to pick up his feet and when he did he wanted to lean on the fence. We think he was so used to leaning in the stocks and having his hooves forced up that he just had no idea what we were asking. Thankfully he learned how and is much happier. :)

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