Horse in the Snow

[Nina Kraus]

My husband was able to come to the barn today to see his "boy". JC has been on vacation since the middle of October and gets to spend his mornings running outside. I never get to see him do it as, by the time I get to the barn, he is inside. Today, we got to the barn and JC was still outside--as beautiful as ever. We went outside and called him. He came running. The first thing Brian said was, "where is the camera?" Well, it was at home. What a wonderful picture watching this beautiful liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail playing in the white snow and then standing perfectly still like a statue.

It amazes me that we take these gorgeous animals who the trainers work so hard to make into show horses and give them their time to be just horses again, and they are more beautiful than when they are showing. The tail and mane flowing and them running free as they were meant to be. I missed the perfect moment which I don't know that I'll ever get again. Then I wonder what will happen when his vacation is over and it is time to get ready for show season next year. What if he doesn't want to do that again? What if he just wants to run and play and be a horse?

My questions were answered when he came inside into his stall and we cross- tied him and showed my son how to brush him. He stood there like an angel and let Ben brush him and talk to him. He kept yawning as is his wont when he gets brushed. I showed Ben JC's special spot on the top of his withers where, if you scratch him, his nose balls and his lips quiver. Of course, he kept looking at Brian expecting his carrots. I wonder what will happen in February or March when I am to get on him and learn to ride him whether I will do him justice. I have a long way to go after the broken leg and the shoulder surgeries.

He is a special boy who I and Brian have put our faith into. He has come through at every turn. Always so gentle; always trying; always beautiful. After 20 years of waiting for a beautiful animal, he is more than I ever dreamed we could breed or I could have. I want to give him all that he has given to us. He has never disappointed us; maybe the judging has on occasion, but he has not. Will I be able to give him what he deserves? I have a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but I am committed to him and giving him all he has given to me.

[Nina Kraus]

Thank you. I am going to the barn today and it is finally sunny so maybe we will be able to get some new pictures of him. He is a beautiful horse and, since he has spent so much time in the sun, his tail has turned completely blond which is beautiful against his liver chestnut coloring.

[Gimme A Dream]

He must be gorgeous! Thanks from sharing this memory with us. I don't believe a picture is worth a thousand words because you have put no less then three good pictures into my head, with your words alone.

[Terri Anne Ullman]

Nice write up Nina. He is such a good boy. Glad you know how lucky you are!