Trotting Down the Trail: Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving - my favorite holiday. I have been a little "Scrooge-y" today, however, as C and I are spending it alone with the dogs. He is on call, and so we need to be close to the clinic. We were invited to share meals here, but the on call prevents us from accepting those invitations. And so, it is our first Thanksgiving without any family to share it with. Boo.

However, I took the dogs for a nice walk in the quiet chill of the late afternoon, listened to the snow squeak beneath my mukluks, and breathed in the scent of fresh snow, pine, and cold air.

How could I be anything but thankful? I couldn't. And so here is just a small piece of my life's bounty that I am thankful for - my horses.

Red and Rhio are the best. I am biased, of course, but they have been my anchor in the stormy sea many times. They are my escape from the rat race - you can't be with horses and do anything except live in the here and now. They are my ticket to adventure and exploration - what better way to find out what's around the next bend than from the back of my horse? They quiet my mind and busy my body - grooming, feeding, picking hooves, blanketing, unblanketing, walking to and fro, scooping poo, stacking hay, filling water, cleaning tack, and of course riding. They introduce me to new people; everywhere I've lived, I have met "horse people" and developed friendships that will last a lifetime. They fill my heart to overflowing with their nickers, their soft eyes, and their mere presence. A deep inhale of horsey scent does wonders for my soul.

Getting ready in the barn. I love this pic because they are each entirely comfortable (see the resting hind legs?) in their own space, sharing that space with each other, and paying attention to me, too (see the ears pointed in my direction?)

Last day before WI gun deer season - and so our last ride out until the hunters have left the woods in 9 days' time.

Exploring the snowy trails, checking out the deer tracks, rubs, beds, and spots where they've pawed for grass beneath the snow. So much to see and learn from the back of a horse!