Winter Riding

by: Sara Stanley

"Snow has set in. It is cold and the farm horses have been put in their stalls for the winter after the hard summer work in the fields. They are relieved to rest the winter months in a warm barn, munching contentedly on their hay.
But, there is another type of horse that doesn't seem to be kept inside all winter; and that is your horse, the pampered baby. He is impatient in his stall, wanting to gallop off into the winter world, the cold not penetrating through his thick coat and his breath like blowing steam from his nostrils. The snowy fields are beckoning to him, and here he is stuck in his stall, his hay not touched and his water in the bucket has a sheet of ice on it.

The moment that his owner, with pockets filled with treats and goodies, comes up to him, he nickers and sniffs the pockets, feeling for a bulgy apple. He loves nothing more than the mittened hand and peppermint bits touching his lips. While still munching on his peppermint, he is led out of his stall and saddled up- ready for a brisk winter run. You heave yourself onto the saddle, bundle up your scarf, pull the hat over your ears, pick up the reigns and urge your horse into a trot. Immediately the horse perks up its ears, excited to feel the chilly wind whip through his mane once again. When the moment is right, you ask him for the canter. The three gait sound of hooves thumping and swooshing gently through the snow makes your muscles relax, and your heart to pound slower from the excitement of the ride. You ride over a hill, towards the frozen sea, and stop your horse before the edge of a red, sandstone cliff. You sit there a moment, just listening to the quietness of the day.

Before darkness settles in, as it gets dark early now, you gallop towards home. As you reach the last snowy field, you slow the horse into a canter, then a trot, and lastly a walk. You take your time to reach the barnyard, and enjoy the homey scenery of chickens scratching around, some spilled hay here and there, and the red sleigh parked near the entrance way of the barn. You dismount, pat the horse on the shoulder and lead him into the barn, and into his stall. After a good brushing and covering him with his blanket, you break the ice in his water bucket and fluff up his hay. Then, after giving him his apple for being a "good boy", the stall door clicks shut, and you head off towards the farm house, as supper is waiting. Back in the barn, the farm horses drift one by one into a dreamless sleep, while your horse gazes out the window, watching the snowflakes fall and eagerly anticipating the next wintery ride."