Whilst ‘home’, I also decided to look for a photograph that I knew I had seen before, and of a memory that is far greater than that of just the photo, a memory of not only a day, but also a moment in which I worked with my Dad on a project I had devised- to make a hobby horse for a local hobbyhorse day being held in Wallington, the next village to ours.
The day involved a hobbyhorse show, with prizes fro best hobbyhorse, best groom, best rider etc…
I did not have a hobbyhorse so embark on designing and making one with the help of Dad. Among other things we were thrilled when we decided to get hold of some real horses hair from a horse riding centre my dad worked on as a handyman, pulled from the barbed wire fences enclosing the horses.
I would be the groom- dad the rider!
It was serious stuff, and we won!
This day sprung to mind when considering my relationship with horses, in order to prepare for the Gower residency. On Saturday, after spending the day in Colchester it sprung to mind that there were some key photos such as this one with hobbyhorse that could potentially link in with the project. Another also shown, my first riding experience at the age of 1 and an half.
Not only do these photo track my own history but again echo the enthusiasm and playful nature my parents live by and their overwhelming support in all that wanted to achieve. This is starting to take shape more in my head, and although I am aware of things potentially becoming self indulgent. I am still keen to present this information in some format that becomes more universal and interesting to others.
