We met up with Poppy at this cute bistro in Port Perry. Poppy started on the Formula 1 scene in 1964 so she and Allan both knew a lot of the same people. And she knew me already through Allan’s Facebook site.
Port Perry is a very quaint town and close enough to Toronto for short day-trips.
But the main focus of our visit was to visit one of Poppy’s beauties: Onceupon a Belle of the Ball, or Belle for short. She is a Gypsy Vanner. They were originally bred from Clydesdales to be smaller and more good-natured for families and children. You can see for yourself how beautiful she is.
I had the fortunate opportunity to ride her. Allan even helped brush her for me.
I don’t have any riding experience but Poppy and Holly guided me through the whole process.
Adanac El Cid (or El Cid for short) is Poppy’s other horse and he is a Morgan.
We took them both over to the field.
Holly showed us how you’re actually supposed to ride.
Thank you Poppy and Belle for a great day!
It's a great town! I grew up just 20 minutes away in Oshawa and spent many hours in Port. The quaintness of the downtown is beautifully captured in these photos and has hardly changes since I was a kid.