I took this picture of a work horse when I was in the town of Soke on the Aegean Coast. When thinking of work horses, I am always transported back to the beginning of the century before the modern vehicle took off.
That is why I was surprised to see this work horse, as all around him were cars of all models, makes and designs. They were whizzing up and down the road while this horse and his owner were patiently waiting for some work to come their way.
The life of a working horse in Turkey
The work comes in the form of people buying items from shops that are too big or too heavy to deliver. Instead of calling a taxi, the horse and his owner are called. They will then deliver the items and the customer to their home. I have to say the work horse was very well looked after. He had constant access to food and water and was very clean.
However looking into his eyes, I noticed a look of sadness. Maybe it was a need for friendship or the days are getting long and he is looking forward to hanging up his straps and retiring. Regardless of the reason for his sadness, I love to look at this picture and hope he does not retire soon as one day this summer; I want to go back and take him a nice big bunch of carrots.
See more photos from around Turkey
The horse might look a bit sad, but it’s somehow comforting to know that the age old means of transport are still alive and well in Turkey.
im sure ive seen that horse in soke or one just like it , nice photo
I always feel bad seeing work horses. They can look so… crushed and soulless. Like there’s no fight left in them…
We see them occasionally in Istanbul out on our edge of town. Saw lots in Edirne – mostly used by those who work in the “recycling” business. And everyone needs to get out to the Princess Islands for a horse drawn carriage ride where there are no cars. (and I don’t think he looks sad)
Aww, I love how you capture shot of the horse. I’m not sure if it’s about his eyes. Or he just feels sad or tired. But he’s a work horse so he is probably tired.
@Inka. yes, I suppose it is comforting in a way. Takes you back to a world that is not materialistic.
@Phil and Di. You have probably have. It sometimes stands by the Wednesday market.
@Jack And Jill. I wondered if that is how this horse felt but put it down to age.
@Aaron. Maybe he wasn’t sad. maybe he was thinking I wish this crazy woman with a camera would get out of my face!
@Sarah. I think he was beginning to get on in years as well Sarah. Didn’t look young.
I too would like to have a horse ride and let not retire the horse for next summer, I will also bring some food & carrots for him to make him much happy.
Although people do have cars in our village the work horse and the donkey are still in daily use, and they are all well cared for. My next door neighbour wraps big sheets of heavy polythene over her donkey when it rains…very thoughtful I think x
He does look sad to me as well, but then all work horses often look sad, almost always in India.
I think their life is quite lonely, with few or no companions…
He looks like he could go for some carrots right now.
I don’t know if that is sadness I see in his eyes. It could be tiredness too or he looks like he’s given up on something.
@Villa In Chianti. Ah, nice to read you are a horse lover
@Ayak. I was thinking about that when I saw your other photo.
@Sid. India is a place that I have not been to however would like to visit one day.
@Steve. It is hard to figure out what he is thinking isn’t it? But I loved looking at his eyes, they were beautiful in a solitary kind of way.
I am currently helping a small, horribly underfunded horse shelter here in Georgia raise money. Would you mind helping us out by relaying the information to your readers? Here is a link to the synopsis: http://fundraisersonline.net/currently-fundraising/begin-again-farms/
Thanks!
Melissa
Melissa recently wrote about..Begin Again Farms