I lay on Sheila (my old Hereford pig) as she walked the field in the sun yesterday. She was wandering through the pasture, grazing, but she is so tall, up to my hip that it was easy for me to just slide my body over hers and lie there – she just walked slowly along grunting, with me hanging off her like a benevolent tick. She was in a good mood, she likes the sun and grass.
Can you see her extra set of legs – TonTon of course.
My home-field herd is doing well though Difficult is always getting lost. I lock her in at night so she stays undercover – she still has the occasional cough – so she finds it hard to bond with them. We will need to mind her in the cold especially if it is blowing.
All the gateways are deep with mud. Some gates I cannot even go through, I would sink straight into the mud and be lost without trace. The cows don’t care that I have to take the long way round.
Let’s look at Sheila again – isn’t she beautiful. I love Sheila.
My big fat pig.
Look at this shot – Violet is so embarrassed. “OH Mum.” I hear her say. “I am old enough to wash my own face you know. Stop it .. ” she whines in that internationally recognised sing songy baby voice. “People are watching. Oh Muuuum. ”
Violet is waiting for her dinner. I put feed into those little plastic tubs and all the big birds perch there to eat.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
56 responses to “Sheila as a horse”
Can you get a horse blanket for Difficult…and a body warmer for Sheila 😉
I have a calf blanket that will fit Difficult when it gets cold – it is a good idea.. c
It strikes me that beautiful Sheila is looking a bit more streamlined these days, or perhaps that’s her best side? She really is a lovely colour, and an impressive size. I love the mental image of her mooching thoughtfully through the grass with you draped decoratively over her back like some sort of really exotic fur coat…
no, no…… au naturel! hehehe
Bit chilly for that!
I am with kate on that one! c
Is that the only reason, the weather? lol
I was looking out for a picture of C lieing on Sheila, but the 8-legged creature you gave us was even better! Our horses used to poach the field gateways, so we had a lorryload of stone chippings which we laid over the mud. It really helped with drainage and was much easier to walk on.
Love,
ViV xox
Morning Viv.. yes, that would be a grand idea.. c
Look at Mr Flowers tail – it is going to be even more gorgeous next spring. I’m wondering if Sheila is going to show any interest in Manu, she must be aware he is on the farmy? Laura
Manu is away over the other side over the creek – too far to be a problem.. c
Ha ha what a funny picture that conjured up! Relaxing on a piggy. 😀
it was weirdly relaxing too!.. c
Sheils looks happy and I’m sure she didn’t mind you riding her. How old is she?
Sheila is as old as the blog – she is four.. c
A good freeze would help with the muck out there wouldn’t it? Of course then there is another set of problems. I sounds like a mellow day. Hope you have one.
yes once it freezes it is not a problem.. until spring.. c
Sheila is MAGNIFICENT!
she is rather! c
Beautiful photographs! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Giovanna and that YOU! c
You so remind me of My John Celi, who LOVES the pigs! 🙂 And our oldest, Roxie, has an intestinal issue making it very difficult for her to void her bowels. She has been on kefir for awhile, and that has helped, but sadly, we think that she won’t be able to be bred again. Anyway, My John can’t bear the thought that maybe the abattoir should be an option, so it looks like she will be a Sheila Jr, one of our pets here on the farm. 🙂
Is she eating tons of hay – or soaked alfalfa cubes? I am sure her diet is good. Poor Roxie – that must be awful.. c
Next we will have Celi the Trapeze Artist dancing along Sheila’s back like it was a tightrope! We of course will want a picture!
Morning granny mar! c
I imagine you like Lady Godiva dressed in a clown suit!
Yes.. that dratted clown suit – c
Yes, Sheila is looking rather svelte in these photos; really mature and healthy looking.. She should be good and ready to bring forth a grand pile of piglets come spring, and won’t that be fun.
And poor sad Difficult, he (she?) really has had a tough time just keeping up, hasn’t he. I would think he’d be so much happier with a buddy, one he bonded with. Makes me think of Rudolph, not being allowed to join in the reindeer games. Never mind, must have heard a Christmas song when I wasn’t paying attention.
Hope you have a lovely day too! ~ Mame 🙂
I am not sure I will breed Sheila now, she is an old girl now and very big – tall and long – I cannot imagine her with piglets actually.. c
I’m sure that you were very refined while Sheila took you for a walk round. I don’t believe that I was refined at all when I was (very) young riding the (much smaller) pigs at my sister’s farm. And I’m quite sure you did not get nearly as dirty as I did, however I’ll bet we each had about the same amount of fun and joy.
Thank you for fixing the blog so that I am able to comment again. I don’t know what was wrong, but it appears to be working just fine now.
Chris S in Canada
yes, sorry about that – i should be banned from “fixing stuff” behind the scenes.. c
Shelia is indeed beautiful !! I love the environment all your animals live in – full of nature and kind attention. I’m sure NONE of you is looking forward to the cold weather…
we are just grateful it is still so warm!.. c