Sunbathing Beauty
- October 19, 2008
- Category: Daily Diary, Uncategorized
- (19) Comments
I always thought if a horse was lying down, it had to be sick or in some kind of distress. When I went out to the pasture a few days ago, I found Khrysta stretched out on the ground and I panicked. I called the vet and some very knowledgeable friends and I learned that some horses enjoy spending time sunbathing when the sun is actually shining in the chilly Northeast. Morgan horses especially enjoy time off their feet and a good snooze in the sun. I breathed a sigh of relief.
After a frosty night, Khrysta will eat her breakfast and then begin the trek up her mountainside pasture in search of the the sunniest spot for her morning nap.
Yesterday, when it was time for our daily trail ride, she was once again resting in the sun. Up I went to wake her. She got right up, followed me for two steps and then down again she went.
Instead of insisting we continue, I decided to enjoy the sunshine with her.
I sat down by her side and whispered sweet nothings in her ear. She relaxed even more, put her head on my lap and slumbered while I sang her lullabies. Words fail me as I try to describe the thrill I felt with Khrysta resting on my lap. That such an awesome animal would put her trust in me and allow me to be part of her world was an experience I never believed I would have. I looked at Khrysta, gazed at our beautiful Red Pine Mountain and felt God’s hand all around me. I hesitated to break the spell that had come over us.
This morning my sunbathing beauty decided to rouse herself to join me for our ride. We rode on trails dappled with frost. Our path was strewn with fallen leaves. The long shadows cast by the trees remind me that the grey days of November are soon to arrive.
The beauty in my days as the animals on Red Pine Mountain allow me to share their lives makes my soul rejoice.
I do not know if I will have tomorrow but I do know that for this moment in time, I am truly alive.
Lovely post and a beautiful horse
Date: October 19, 2008
I have not heard about horses resting like that before. I would panick, too. That’s amazing, how she rested her head in your lap. I did not hear that about horses before either
)
Enjoy your Sunday!
Date: October 19, 2008
Even Jack rests sometimes laying down, too.
Khrysta is a beauty and so is the mountain views.
What a wonderful life!
Have a good evening.
Pam
Date: October 19, 2008
Oh wow– I think we are soul-buddies!
I absolutely loved this post.
Your horse is beautiful– I’ve NEVER Seen a horse that color before!
I’m very very jealous of your precious moments!
THAT girl
that[engaged]girl
Date: October 20, 2008
Khrysta is a truly beautiful horse and I’m so happy to hear about the moment you shared with her in the sun.
Date: October 20, 2008
So that’s her new name ..Khrysta? Did I miss the everyday naming ceremony? She is beautiful! Our Arabians used to lay down once in awhile, used to scare me too..but a snooze in the sun was on their agenda. You are gonna love her if she laid her head in your lap, how wonderful..a connection! Isn’t it wonderful how much animals can rejuvenate our spirits! Your Mountain is beautiful:)
Date: October 20, 2008
What an awesome way to spend an afternoon.
Date: October 20, 2008
What an absolutely beautiful post, and horse, and mountain. Ya…I think I’m a little jealous at the beauty that surrounds you, and your precious moments!
Date: October 20, 2008
What a lovely post…At first I thought uh oh, colic, but it sounds like you were able to have a tender experience and connection with Khrysta.
How nice that both of you were well nurtured that day.
She is a beautiful girl.
Date: October 20, 2008
Animals and sun spots – they just go together.
That’s so funny that she would love lying in the sun – sounds much like my dog Rosie – no matter how chilly it’s getting, she wants to be out in the sun, belly-up soaking it in. My cat Gidget is curled up in the one sunny spot on my computer desk right now, just loving it. It’s like they know winter is coming and want to soak up as much as they can while the gettin’ is good. That’s so touching too that Khrysta would lay her head in your lap and just let you love her and enjoy the beauty of the day.
Date: October 20, 2008
I didn’t know horses lay down either without being sick. What a special time you had with Khrysta! I get thrilled if my cats lay on or next to me so I imagine it would be a similar thrill for you with your horse’s head on your lap! What a nice day you had!
Date: October 20, 2008
What a beautiful description! It feels as if all is well with the world. Imagine! A horse laying her big head in your lap. How cool is that?!
Date: October 20, 2008
what beautiful pictures and horse. I love the post!
Date: October 20, 2008
I would love to be that alive in that way. What a spectacular moment for you!
Date: October 20, 2008
I would of been scared too seeing a horse lying down. I still don’t know much about them at all…and I should.
My two white cats are really good at finding the hot spots to sleep on outside now. They love the heat of the black earth now, where my tomatoes “used to be growing”.
Not fun having “white” cats sleeping and rolling in dark earth.
Do horses do that too…look for the hot dark earth now for warmth ?
Date: October 21, 2008
Wow! I too did not know about horses laying down like that!
Great photos and what an awesome pleasure enjoying the sun with Khrysta’s head resting on your lap!!!
Date: October 21, 2008
She is a beautiful horse. It looks like all of that sunbathing has given her reverse freckles. She is an unusual color.
Date: October 21, 2008
Thanks everyone for stopping and commenting.
Far Side of Fifty – I decided to name her Khrysta because I learned that is the Greek word for gold.
Alan – I would imagine you are correct about horses seeking the warm earth. It’s been snowing here for the past two days and she has not been lying down at all.
Date: October 22, 2008
Your horse and her colors are amazing! I had horses growing up and they laid down and took sun naps a lot. I heard when they laid down and tried to roll over, (like they take dirt baths) and they could no longer roll over, that meant they were not healthy. Could be another old wives tail, who knows!
Date: January 08, 2010