"Hay! Something happening at Onice Farm today!

"Horse at Onice Farm oil on 11x14 board

http://onicehorsefarm.ca/OnIce_Horse_Farm/Welcome_to_OnIce.html

Headwaters Stable tour today!
https://www.facebook.com/OnIceHorseFarm

"I'm Watching You!"

"I'm Watching You!"" oil on 11x14 board

This Icelandic horse seems to be a little distracted so I managed to realize horses do seem to have some communication with each other, and figured out she obviously is talking to someone about the state of her mane and definitely needs a shampoo and a trim!

Icelandic horses are becoming very popular, their gate makes it easy to ride them and although small have a lot of stamina. This picture was taken at Onice Farm in Caledon it is surrounded  in lovely Countryside when the weather is cold they have a beautiful Arena where they give classes. In summer there is always a lot going on and worth a trip to meet the owners who will show you around and introduce you to these lovely horses up close, they own quite a large herd and know every one by name.

Owners Brian, Wendy ,Sydney ( she is the trainer) Horas are busy people but,they always have time to talk when it's about their passion for Icelandic horse.

This year is an exciting time because the PanAm games are going on close by at the Caledon Equine Centre.

Babs

OnIce Horse Farm

"Early Spring at Onice Farm"

"Early Spring at Onice Farm" oil on 11x14 board

The picture was taken early spring this year, it was a lovely mild sunny day at Onice Farm where these Icelandic horses live, they enjoy beautiful surroundings of hills and dales which the horses love to graze.

The grass had only just begun to sprout so the pickings were a bit lean, which they didn't seem to mind. 

Painting this picture I tried to give the grass and the Hills behind the feeling of warmth for the beginning of this year after such a long cold winter was behind us!

Babs

"Sydney & Tildra II"

"Sydney & Tildra II", oil on 11 x14 board

 This was a commission for Sydney Horas of Onice Horse Farm in Caledon., The horse is an Icelandic pony called Tildra II. Sydney wrote:

"Her name is Tildra II from OnIce Horse Farm she is an 11 year old 5 gaited Icelandic mare, that I have been riding for 6 years, she is very energetic and spunky with a big personality. The photo was taken last September at Flugnirkeppni, in Eagle Wisconsin, it was a great horse show with two judges from Iceland. It was Tildra's first show and she did well."

It was quite a challenge for me this painting on the one hand lots of detail on horse and rider and that contrasting with the "impressionistic" landscape, but I am happy with the result
Babs


OnIce Horse Farm can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/OnIceHorseFarm

"Lady in White"

"Kria" oil on 11x14 boaed

Lady in white.

This young lady is in training getting ready for Spring and the warm weather, after this winter I think even Iceland ponies are looking forward to some warmth from the sun.

Her name is Kria and she has the most magnificent white mane, it's amazing how many colours there are in these horses at Onice Farm. I think it was her mane that attracted us to photo. she seemed to stand out in the crowd.

https://www.facebook.com/OnIceHorseFarm

Unfortunately we missed out on a clinic run by Sydney the daughter and trainer she introduced some of the ponies for riding it was a first time for each rider to ride an iceland pony and get to know each other. I think it must have been busy for Sydney and a lot of fun   needing plenty of energy!

Here's to a Great Season guys.

Icelandic Pony with Legs!

Icelandic Pony oil on 11x14 board

Icelandic pony with legs !

I expect you have noticed that all the ponies have been close ups so this one for a change is a complete horse, the average height stands about 4 hands high. They are in their winter coat right now.
Our winter this year has been more than testing us to leave alone the Farmers looking after their animals. Lucky these little fellows are sturdy to stand the cold and snow. They must be grateful when feed time comes to refuel!
More snow and plenty of it, January 2014 and it is  beginning to feel like we are living in Iceland!

Babs

"The Two of Us"

"The Two of Us" Oil on 11x14 board

Onice  Farm.  https://www.facebook.com/OnIceHorseFarm

A few weeks ago the ponies were moved to different fields so they were all excited with the change but, these two decided to pay us a visit to check out if there might have been a treat. They stayed near by for a while John was able to get a shot as they waited looking a little contemplative, one of their Favourite snacks is black sun flower seeds, apparently very good for them better than carrots or apples. Luckily Wendy one of the owners had something for them. There is nothing sadder than a horse waiting for a treat!

P.S.  Treats for horses:   always ask an owner if you can give a treat  We were told that black sun flower seeds are good for the horses hair and they enjoy them a lot.
 
Babs

Here's Looking at You!

"Here's Looking at You!" oil on 11x14 board

A start to 2014

This picture is an experiment for a really good close up of An Icelandic pony in winter. The purpose was giving me the opportunity to work on horses eyes and dabble in working on their thick fur in the winter. They almost have a look of a cave man drawing.

Knowing a little about the Iceland ponies they are lucky their top coat is water proof and a thick underlay of soft fur protects them from severe winter weather, even so I will be relieved when the weather gets a little warmer.

I must admit right now being well below zero degrees and today a bone numbing freezing cold minus 26 degrees which has triggered Ice quakes over  the last few day's I have been thinking a lot about all animals outside in this weather.

This year we sure are having one heck of a winter!

The original photo was taken at Onice Horse Farm:

https://www.facebook.com/OnIceHorseFarm

Friday January 3rd

Babs

Icelandic Ponies in Action

Oneice farm posted a video of the ponies in Iceland, not only do we see these wonderful creatures galloping through the fields but we get a glimpse of the landscape of Iceland,
Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14ulaZr0Xn0