My horse, Smokey Lonesome, lives in the mountains near Longs Peak in Colorado with a herd of about other horses, boarders mostly. To visit him I usually get a ride out to the pasture on a wheeler as the pasture is huge….One day after a lot of wind we tried to get to the herd on the XUV but the drifts were too deep. We spotted Smokey and drove on the road to near where he was but by the time we got to where he had been, he had moved back across the road and in to the herd. I told my freind to just let me off and I would walk…it was about a 100 yard walk to where he was. Along the way two of my favorite buddies came to say hello and as I always like to acknowledge horses for this action I stopped and was petting and talking to them. We were still some 50 yards from Smokey…suddenly, I felt a gentle, warm breath on the back of my neck and turned to be face to face with the big, round, soft eyes of my Smokey Lonesome. He had recognized me in all of my winter gear from 50 yards away and walked over to me to greet me with his affections. Truly amazing…it brought tears to my eyes.

And again on Super Bowl Sunday I was out with Smokey and the herd. It was a warm and sunny beautiful day with plenty of snow on the ground. I was hanging around taking pictures as usual and just being with all of the horses. After several hours it was time to leave and get back to a party and the “big game.” I started the trek up the hill to the barn…about 100 yards or so. After a few steps I saw “Baby Girl” walking to catch up with me…and then Smokey appeared. They both walked with me and then “Baby Girl” fell away. Smokey stayed with me, nose to shoulder all the way to the big barn. Kim, the ranch manager said if he comes all the way in please close the gate to the small corral and keep him out. I said, “Okay.” I walked through the big corral and he followed. I walked through the adjoining gate to the small corral and he still wanted to come. “I have to close this gate, buddy.” I said…he stared at me again with those big, soft eyes as if to say, “Please don’t go…” I petted him and gave him a little kiss and told him I would be back soon…..he pushed on the gate with his nose and looked for a rope to untie (his usual)…and as I slowly walked away turning to glance at him to see if he would walk away he just stood there with his neck over the gate and his ears cocked forward….”Don’t go.” I swear I heard him say….”We have such fun together…” It was all I could do to pull myself away and return home to my guests…..
I rode on that feeling of mutual admiration all week….well, I am still thinking of it!! It is a joy to love a horse and it is a miracle when that love is returned.