Its been a long week, do you fancy a trip out over the Moor, to breathe in some fresh air and see some ponies?
then come with us... we are off over the Moors to check out the yearly Dartmoor Drift Pony Sale. But be warned, unless you have some serious land and a lot of time on your hands, leave your purse in the car because this is every little girls dream....
the yearly Dartmoor Pony Sale at Chagford. We have never been before, and my what an experience. Gorgeous ponies everywhere being auctioned for as little as £10.00.. only in traditional fashion they are auctioned in old fashioned Guineas, which works out at about 1 Guinea is equal to £1.05.
One by one the ponies are shown into the ring and the auction begins.
All sorts of characters to be found .... farmers, families and serious traders.
Oh and tea in the barn, whilst the auctioning is in full swing.
Totally amazing.
And totally amazing that we didn't come home with a pony in the boot of our car. I could have bought at least 10.
But instead Mr F whisked me off to the village of Chagford for tea and toasted teacake.
This is the village where some of Jam and Jerusalem is filmed, and we could see why... it was stunning.
Ahhh, a lovely day.
Hope you enjoyed the trip, and rest assured we didn't come home with a pony in tow. Not yet, any how.
Have a wonderful weekend xx
oh, oh, oh! i love 'travelling' virtually through the lovely english country side...and your post was such a treat for me! fab photos :)
Posted by: Kali @ Poppy Lane | October 09, 2009 at 01:18 AM
What a lovely pony sale. The countryside is stunning. Happy weekend to you too.
Posted by: Valarie Budayr | October 09, 2009 at 03:12 AM
Adorable ponies, what a fun day out!
Posted by: jenny b harris | October 09, 2009 at 03:21 AM
You really are an amazing photographer! You blog always looks beautiful :)
Posted by: Tracy Roe | October 09, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Thank you for the photos! If I hadn't had seen them I don't think I would have believed that such auctions are still held anywhere in the world :) Well, it's England with it's somewhat strange, yet very adorable traditions...
A pony in a car boot might seems like a funny idea, but I can actually imagine myself trying to push one or two (or more...) onto a plane, as they'd have to come with me to Lithuania! :)
Great trip. Thanks for sharing! And have a nice and relaxing weekend. xxx
Kristina
Posted by: Kristina | October 09, 2009 at 12:56 PM
nicky your brave,i couldnt go to livestock auction.poor darlings must be so scared & then are they going to nice homes with lots of love or to someone awful?!! and the price is so wrong,a life for as little as £10.00?!!
anyway now i have that off my chest,the village looked lovely,stepping back in time & i love jam & jerusalem,it is hilarious!!
have a lovely weekend!! xx
Posted by: http://heidi-talesofsnowdropcottage.blogspot.com/ | October 09, 2009 at 01:18 PM
What beautiful photos - I soooo want to be there too!
I have just seen your interview in Sewing World - lovely to see more pictures of the bears.
And to see a push for the Vintage and Handmade Fair; I am really looking forward to it...
Posted by: Alison | October 09, 2009 at 05:48 PM
A wonderful story illustrated with super photos!!
Posted by: Anne Donald | October 09, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I want the spotty one!! I have a special place for a spotty pony , I have always wanted one, and I am sure my donkeys would love one too!!
Posted by: Helen Charlton | October 10, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Oh my! I'd be no good there as I'd probably come home with half a dozen ponies!
Jayne
Posted by: Jayne | October 12, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Hi Nicky.. just catching up with a huge backlog of blogs.. and was so excited to read you had been to Chagford. This is the place that we plan to move to one day.. one day sooner rather than later!
I think we saw some of the very same ponies in a field on our stay in Chagford last week..So pleased they ended up in a safe pasture.
Michele x
Posted by: Michele | November 02, 2009 at 09:28 PM