Wednesday Whinnies With Violette

Violette: Pretty Neighs, Everyone! I don't even know where to start. I had the most incredible few days that anyhorse could ever have, and I would like to share the experience with those of you who enjoy us horsies. So, please sit back and scroll down!

Last Friday, we had a final fitting of the Japanese festival ornaments in a magnificent setting, the medieval castle in our town. Here I am with #1, all decked out in my finery:

 

Here is a close-up of us:

 

Here we are coming out of the main gate of the castle, on the bridge over the moat:

 

And here with the entire team, and the other horse, beautiful Vodka and her foal, Fanta:

 

And a portrait of me:

The next day, Saturday, was the day of the actual festival. It was held at Ecomusée du Perche, our local museum of traditional arts and culture. Here, to start with, is a pic of the Japanese guys getting me ready:

 

This next one is one of #1's favourites because she says it conveys all the joy in this festival:

 

In the original festival in Japan, the horses are almost all ridden by children. #1 was truly happy to invite the grandson of one of the first friends she made in Japan to ride me. Little Kotaro, who is five, is cute as a button!

 

He was a little bit scared at first but he quickly realised that I would be nice to him and he relaxed! He had never been on a horse before!

Here is a shot of both horses and all participants in front of the priory (dating from the 11th to 13th centuries):

 

And this was the view the public saw as we approached them, to the sound of the many, many bells we horses were wearing:

 

#1 says this next picture probably shows how she felt best of all!

 

And here is just one more for you:

I hope you enjoyed sharing this experience with me!