Fearnley Wilde Equestrian
The flash lane is a long stretch of road where the gypsies/travellers show off their animals to potential buyers. Often driving or riding them hard at trot, collecting bids along the way. Robin and his team stayed at the grass verge, talking amongst themselves and watching out for any interesting happenings.
This stunning creature is Bronte. A gorgeous 4 year old dapple grey gypsy vanner mare. She caught everyone's eye as she scurried past with her high stepping action...Robin instantly decided that he'd have a word with her owner. Luckily, on-site, there is a vet's station. Robin and Andy had the mare vetted instantly and even in this roasting heat, she had a clean bill of health! Here's Andy getting in on the action and taking the mare for a dip in the River Eden...amongst many others.
At the end of the day, everyone decided to sit down for a bite to eat from the barbecue and chat about the events...and their new purchases...a horse, and a Romany caravan! Jenna had some views against the flashing strip, which is understandable as it is extremely harsh on horse's legs when they drive them so hard. Robin smiles and nods, he understands but is happy that regardless of some of the practises, the fair is a great day out and everyone enjoyed themselves.
News!
Team FWEC have visited one of England's most popular and biggest annual gatherings. Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria.
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Appleby has managed to divide the nations with their views on the practises and welfare of all involved...but you really have to be a part of it to fully understand the notion and reasons behind such a large event.
More information available here.
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With a few of our team members having come from, or been descended from the Irish traveller's lifestyle, we saw it fit to give this event a go.
Packing up our camping gear, we drove off to Dublin to catch the ferry to Liverpool. Horsebox in tow incase we picked anything up from the fair...never say never.
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Robin is a man of means, and he is very persistent when he gets an idea. For one, he knows what he's in for and ready to take on any consequences.
FWEC breeds and trains quality performance horses, but sometimes you need a little rough edge to get you thinking again...
...And Appleby was the perfect choice in finding this rough edge. Robin wanted to be transported back in time, to see how things were done back when he was only a child...a babe of the Irish travelling community.
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Info on photos.
Sunday 5th June 2016
Thursday 16th June
Meet FWE Phantom Bride!
A three year old cremello part-bred arabian mare.
This little girl is a nightmare. She is bolshy, noisy, and afraid of EVERYTHING.
She's gorgeous...and would make a fabulous halter exhibition...eventually.
Robin and Cora have had their eye on this mare since she was a foal, putting in a reserve with her breeder...and now, they were able to purchase the blue-eyed beauty since no-one else wanted her.
It's not surprising really...
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Luckily, Robin and Cora have the experience and patience to work with difficult equines, especially the hot-blooded arabs, so she is in good hands.
She won't be backed until she's atleast four and a half or five at a push...there's so much work to be done on the ground and inbetween beforehand.
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The photos show the sequence of events after Cora ran around the pasture for about two hours in the early morning, trying to catch Bela (barn name) until finally stopping by the gate...and allowing the mare to approach on her own accord.
She backs herself right into the corners of her stable and looks on anxiously until Robin, Cora and Andy lave her sight.
She then seems to relax after an hour or so, taking short rests between calling out loudly to the other residents being brought in from the pastures outside..
