Thursday, October 25, 2007

19.1

I met the most amazing horse this week. I was in Asheville, North Carolina for a friend's wedding. The rehearsal dinner was held at a place called "The Farm." As I walked up the path to the facility, I spot this giant, and I mean giant horse! I had to track down to owner and ask about him. Apparently he is the second largest Belgian in the United States! He stands 19.1 hands tall and the current record holder stands 19.3. His name is "Rock" and he is seven years old.
The owner bought Rock last Fall at an auction. Her husband went to check out the horses and was just in awe when he saw him. He called her and said, "I have to come home with this horse!" He was sold by an Amish guy who used him to plow his fields. Rock was getting so big, he outgrew his harness and the man was having trouble putting any gear on him because of his height. As you can see by the photos, Rock was a huge hit around the place. He loved all the scratches and attention. They plan to use him to pull their surrey. They had to have a harness maker come out and measure and fit him with new gear. The collar is gigantic. He is just a character. I just wanted to pet him, so when I went to get serious about taking some photos, the dog decided to chase him and he wanted to play, so he left us and bucked around his pasture. This last photo is one that I took of him, the others are courtesy of my friend Sean. I apologize for not taking better photos, but I was just so busy taking in all 19.1 of him in.

7 comments:

Jessica said...

Holy crap. The dog looks miniature by comparison!

Ginger said...

He's gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I'd say he was cute but that seems the wrong word. He's still cute, though. What do they use him for?

I sometimes go to Asheville -- is it the kind of place that welcomes strangers? And, if so, where is it?

Thanks for the photos. So glad I don't have to feed him (or tend to his feet) but I love, love, love looking at him!

Anonymous said...

A big beautiful horse. I am so happy the horse is admired and is well. He sure is pretty.

Rising Rainbow said...

I think the pics are great!. I love the playing one. 18 hands is the biggest horse I've even been around. She was a thoroughbred and did really well on the track. But when I was around her before she started on the track, she had no manners. Imagine 18 h rearing up over the top of you. I hated that horse. i'm glad to know this one is so kind.

photogchic said...

Just an amazing animal. Wonder if I will ever see one that big again in my lifetime. Anne, I will give my friend a call when he gets back from his honeymoon and see exactly where it is. Worth a stop if you are in the area and the lady LOVED to talk about him.

Katie said...

o my goodness that horse is HUGE! o man imagine riding that thing! hes gorgeous! I love big horses! Imagine his poor dam. I would love to show up at pony club on a horse like that :P