I have loved horses as for long as I can remember.  Maybe most little girls go through an infatuation with horses.  I attribute my interest to a great book and a sweet aunt.  I read Black Beauty when I was 9 years old.  After reading that book I dedicated my search at our public library to all stories that revolved around horses.  When I was 12, my Aunt Gail came to live with us in California, moving here from Ohio.  She only stayed with us about a year, long enough to get a job and save enough money to rent her own apartment. She was an avid horse enthusiast and rider, and later saved to buy her own horse, which I was privileged to ride most weekends in my early teens.

{This is my youngest granddaughter, Fae, on an “unicorn” for her first birthday, maybe this ride will plant the seed and she’ll love horses too! —the pretty blonde girl is Fae’s mommy, my sweet daughter-in-law, and the redhead is moi}

I never lost my enthusiasm for horses and after visiting England for the first time, equine influences were stronger than ever.  That’s when I started decorating our home to reflect my perception of a English country home.

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It’s no surprise that I am always drawn to a bit of a lodge-look style, with the hunt scene pictures, antlers and a few accessories to carry the feeling of country living in England. 🙂

{Elle Decor ~ photo by Roger Davies}

I must have lived in England in a former life.

{Antony Childs Country House ~ House & Garden; 1992 ~ photo William Waldron}

One of my favorite blog sites is The Polohouse.  The talented Alison has decorated her home in a style that I copy am inspired by.  If you have any interest in traditional decor, coupled with lovely, often antique, accessories, be sure to visit her.

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Many rooms that capture my attention have a country feel to them.  Often the rooms are those of a manor house someplace.  Since I don’t see a manor house in my immediate future {read: ever}, I search out rooms that anyone would love, no horse riding or butler necessary.

An example is this beautiful room designed by Suzanne Rheinstein for a Virginia homeowner.  The paintings are the only nod to possible interest in horses.  The room is simple and elegant, while still inviting.  Virginia’s Hunt Country homes, when featured in magazines or online, seem to be a great source [this side of the pond] for all things equine.

{House Beautiful}

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{photo Pieter Estersohn}

The room below is a favorite. It’s neutral palate appeals to me and there’s enough of a modern feel to the light infused room that I can visualize this room as a happy place to be whether in a California home or an English country house.

{Elle Decor ~ designer Kerry Joyce ~ photo Roger Davies}

This is the Salt House Inn in Cape Cod.  Don’t you love the painting? I do! 🙂

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This warm, inviting room is from a designer Joni at Cote de Texas featured.  I would love wood paneling like this in a library.  Los Angeles designer, Schuyler Samperton.

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Here is my main equine related painting.  Not the best photograph, but I do love the painting.  I found it in an antique store in San Juan Capistrano.  There are other small items that remind me of my love of horses. {sofa is on the list to be reupholstered in the new year}

Happy November!  Do you like equine influenced decor?  Did you have an affinity for horses when you were young?