This image is of the the almost-four-year-old who appeared as a newborn in the preceding post.
He is a beauty, tough as nails, and has an interesting blue stripe in one eye to go with all that chrome. This image combines one of my trifecta ideals: Far away scenery, a massive interesting oak tree, and an amazing equine. The horses like to browse under the trees where the grass stays tender and grows taller due to the rich soil and shade. They will even step through, over, and onto the branches to reach the in-between places.
” … The future was an infinite horizon over which the sun still glimmered its early morning promise.
Everything has a smell and every smell was fresh — the morning air, the sun on the bitumen, the evening rain.
There was just today and that felt like more than enough. … ”
– Richard Flanagan, First Person
(replace bitumen with earth)
“One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak.” — G.K. Chesterton
While this horse may be considered “a valley compared to a peak”, there is worth in a demeanor of steady good=natured energy, especially within a group such as a herd or rowdies. His very ordinary-ness is infectious and relatable. Being big and strong and pretty aren’t ordinary, but when you’re those things and amiable as well, you risk being second string.
From his earliest days, this horse has at most, made me laugh out loud, and at least, brought a wry smile to my face as I observe his interactions with his herd mates and the discoveries in his natural environment. Well done, lad. Keep it up.
“I will tell you where there is power: where the dew lies upon the hills, and the rain has moistened the roots of the various plant; where the sunshine pours steadily; where the brook runs babbling along, there is a beneficent power.
–Edwin Hubbel Chapin
A new filly greets the brief sunshine during a long string of winter rainstorms. By human standards, animals endure lots of uncomfortable weather. By animal standards, at least in this climate, they are quick to respond to ever-changing weather conditions with ease.
A January colt and his mother stroll through a glorious location. After a few rainy days, then a few sunny days, this is their beautiful home.
“A horse is a thing of beauty … none will tire of looking at him as long as he displays himself in his splendor.”
–Xenophon
Several rainy storms have passed through this winter, creating lots of mud and green grass after many years of drought. For a time, paradise is being celebrated by all of the That Herd horses. This three-year-old colt is an example; any excuse to run and buck is exploited.
“The sun, the hero of every day, the impersonal old man that beams as brightly on death as on birth, came up every morning and raced across the blue dome and dipped into the sea of fire every evening.”
–Zora Neale Hurston, The Gilded Six-Bits
Here is a brief video clip of some young mares approaching with curiosity, then bursting away. Another fair winter day highlights the absolute beauty of the meadow where they were discovered. Unfortunately, some of the location’s brilliance is lost due to the video being shot into the direct sun.
The winter grass was late making an appearance this year, but now that it’s sprouting, the horses are enjoying the fresh change in their diet. A long, lazy afternoon of warm February temperatures had all the mares amiable and content.
It’s been a long time coming this year; new grass is finally sprouting. Some weak rain storms have come and gone, but after one long dry month after another this year, the new grass is most welcome. I always feel like I should mention that I have not enhanced the green of the grass in any way. It’s just that glowing and green.
