JHP_170111_HV1_2074Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

In horse heaven.  This mare enjoys a peaceful evening graze as the sun sets to the west over a horse farm in the Upper Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia.  It just wouldn't be horse country, without beautiful breeding farms.

JHP_170111_HV1_2048Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

This is a group of yearlings out to pasture with a nurse mare at the well known Arrowfield Stud.  After the foals are weaned at about 6 months they are turned out in a small group of 5-10 youngsters to find their own way for the next 6 months to a year.  A nurse mare or gelding helps keep them in check.  

JHP_170114_HV_3046Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

The horse capitol of Australia of course has lovely farms and outstanding bloodstock. This image was taken at the Scone Equine Hospital, ICU department, which sits adjacent to the racetrack.

JHP_170114_HV_3071Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

This race club holds a premiere meet in May but is best known for its country races.  The pace is a little more low key. Many people haul in just for the meet.  Owners and trainers are friendly and betting is of course a favorite pastime.

JHP_170114_HV_3173Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

In the paddock before the race, this handler had a handful of a horse.   I got just the perfect photo with a good composition and such a serious look... I am sure he was wondering why I was taking photos off him.

JHP_170114_HV_3108Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

Upon mounting the jockeys take their mounts onto the track; sometimes turning left and others right.  In most cases the jockeys are left to warm up their own mounts and do not require an outriders help.  In all instances they take advantage of the space going to the starting gate and have a nice long warm up, trotting, cantering and even hand galloping before the call to post.

JHP_170114_HV_3135Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

In Scone they race clockwise on a turf track.  The grass seems to muffle the thundering of hooves but the excitement is still grand as they pass the stands and cross the finish line.  This particular horse was in the lead but was passed by a nose at the wire. What good form.  

JHP_170111_HV1_2059Upper Hunter Valley Shire, Scone, NSW, Australia. Horse Country

Back at the farm the warm evening sun casts a harsh shadow on the mares and foals in this paddock.   I greatly appreciate the horsemanship here and the husbandry that makes for a happy horse and strong competitor.  I wonder if any of the new crop this year will be famous in years to come?