It's nice to see progression shots... I like to take photos sometimes of a work in progress. Great to look back and see how it transformed 

I'm in love with that rainbow cat!


Nice watercolour work 

oh my gosh - that is sooo cool! And your ribbons! Wow!


How many horses do you have, and what are your events? Dressage? Show Jumping? Cross country?


My mum had horses when I was young (I think that's largely where my love for them/drawing horses came from). I lost my confidence riding early on, but absolutely love being around horses (just get a little nervous on their back! - stupid, eh?). But gimme a halter, a grooming brush and a hoof pick and I'm happy as larry. And their smell... oh... that has got to be one of the best things about them!


Mum sadly sold her last horse when I was about 16. We're in Auckland, and out where we used to graze has just got so ridiculously built up. So sad. It's so wonderful that you got your lifestyle block; you must enjoy it so much 

Yah!     Thanks everyone!  I'm so stoked with my new girls, and luuuurve having all my ponies in the cabinet (thank goodness I have an understanding hubby!!). I hated having them all crammed in the box, and oh! Their hair! The way it'd get messed up and out of shape!! So, having them out on display is not only a huge relief, but so rewarding! My collection is pretty modest really, compared to some of the amazing ones I know people here have(!) but I'm so proud of it 

Ok... so it’s been a bit pricey, but the start of my pony year couldn’t have been better!!!


Not only did I just pass the 100 mark as far as numbers in my collection...


...But I got my first Nirvana! Here she is! Italian Surprise! Isn’t she pretty?


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I did an art trade for her Here’s the commission I did:




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But it gets better! Surprise unexpectedly got joined by another Italian! Here she is buddying up with her new friend, Confetti  She’s so gorgeous, and has automatically plonked herself near the top of my favorites list!


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And it keeps going! In and around the same pony packed fortnight, I scored (to my astoundment) my topmost grails!!! I couldn’t believe it when they arrived, and they are so gorgeous! Never in a million years did I think I would ever get Hopscotch and her baby here in little ‘ol NZ!!


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I’m in love... but even cooler, they can join other UK friends in another unexpected New Year surprise - my brand new (second hand) display cabinet!!!! (now my ponies are free from wrestling in a crammed box ) It’s ugly, it’s retro, it’s got cool curved glass sides and more importantly doors to keep the little mini-mes from grubbying up my gals! Everyone is so happy! (except maybe the said mini-mes who would love nothing better than to kiss and cuddle and have tea parties with said vintage gals...)


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My other pony purchases alongside Hopscotch also helped me complete some sets, notably a couple of my absolute faves, the TAF’s! Welcome (finally!) to the herd, Sugarberry and Merriweather!!! Oh! How elusive you’ve been! See if you can find them in my happy pony display




Ahh... pony heaven!


Thank you so much to the collectors I obtained my new girls from!
 
[stickied 22/01/2012 - kiwimlp ]
unstickied 24/01/2012

Well... at first I kept my hobby a bit quiet, but have gradually become more and more open about it - it's hard not to talk about something you love! What can be hard in return though, is not necessarily having the same excitement in return when you spill the beans on the latest, most exciting thing that arrived in the mailbox!!     I'll often get the humouring look! My Dad (an avid collector of various things himself) has been very supportive and encouraging however, and boosts my confidence often by saying I have nothing to be embarrassed about - awwww!   


What will be interesting, is that I just bought a display cabinet... (yah!!!) It's of course now cleaned up and stocked with my collection (previously hidden away in a box bursting at the seams). I've a couple of friends coming over shortly, one who knows about my habit, the other who knows nothing at all.... Guess I'll see what reactions unfold when the full collection stares them in the face!