Winter high, influencing neighbors and playtime

Early morning, the world around us glistened with low freezing wisps of fog, an ambient sun spreading promise in the still air through the haze. Tiny details stood out in crystal form, bare twigs and plant forms raising their beings to the glowing sky. Bands of white spread across the dark mountain shoulders, climbing and plunging into valleys, not reaching the peaks, made of multitudes of individual forms ready to burst into shimmering dazzle as the sun found its way through the thinning fog. Snow, a bit crusty and needing refreshing, sparkled in the chill stillness, a last show before the heavy rains clear the canvas later this weekend.

The horses felt the glow, the light's energy propelling their sure feet across the gripping snow. Boo seemed to fill with joy as she joined her herd, her stout body gathering into a rippling wave of power, throwing her heels then galloping off, tail flowing, playing catch up. She is a happy horse, enjoying her teaching and her herd, confident and sociable. She has worked out how to maximise her interaction with the others in her usual fashion. Breaking a small portion of the fence separating her large herd from the boys one night, she joined them, clearly expressd her desire to be with them at night. She flirts, squeals, delights in their attention, showing off . She keeps tabs on the larger group when with them during the day. Effectively, she has enlarged her sphere of influence by once again making her wishes clear. That those who care for her recognize and respect this about her is deeply gratifying.

She has moved far ahead of me this winter. Her strong frame is fit and showing little of the fat pockets of the past few years. She has a job which she takes seriously, and quite a few who are swept up by her generously gentle personality. Her large eyes seem to have grown larger and more kind, if that is possible, and she gazes at me with pure openness. I can not ride well this year because I have not ridden enough, yet she reminds me what I need to do to rebuild my sense of self. My question, and perhaps hers, is whether I can do what is necessary to return to our partnership. I remain afraid too much time has passed.

I don't want her to leave me behind as she did her tail as she pounded off across the pasture.

The old boys at home danced and ran in the snow later in the afternoon. They, too, bucked and caprioled before galloping strong and sure up the hill. Dime's gait is still breathtaking in its efficiency and grace. At 28, he floats scross the uneven terrain, strong and sure. Prime follows and keeps up just off Dime's off haunch and they reach the top of the hill snorting and blowing, eyes bright, heads proudly raised.

They, too, inspire wondering, that their age and infirmities are really no obstacle, that joy continues to be part of their lives, that they still love playing in the chilly, still golden light.