January 1, 2007

Nitro doesn't know when his birthday is, nor that it's New Years Eve. How I envy the fact that the passing of time is insignificant to horses. It's not that they can't tell time because if I'm late for lunch or supper they are pacing the rails. They all want to be the first to eat too. Nitro will wait by the gate for me keeping Snickers exactly fifty feet away as I arrive. If Snickers dares take one step or make any motion, Nitro will first turn ears pinned and if Snickers doesn't step back Nitro will charge into him. However as soon as Nitro's halter is on Snickers comes forward to the gate as if to say "Loser". All the while, Little Man "Pagan Thunder" is doing 40 mile per hour laps around his paddock. The big eaters, easy keepers always want to be first. Tonight is the first time that I'm noticing the days are getting a bit longer. Do horses know we've gained a few minutes more daylight? All in and fed, I close the lights and suddenly I hear a pack of coyotes charging from across the meadow. Can't imagine being an animal fleeing the screeching calls. Dusk has fallen. Good night Nitro, see you next year. Stay young forever.