The first time I visited the pasture was in the early hours of a cloudy morning. Spring was in the air and the horses were bursting with energy. This time it was at the end of a sky-blue day. The horses had moved to a different pasture and they were content to relax and enjoy grazing on the lush grass and wildflowers. I still couldn’t believe I was able to just walk among them. That feeling of awe hadn’t changed.

Mostly, it was the light that was different. It was challenging and fun to find ways to convey this kind of beauty.

Pam and Dexter met me at the bottom of the hill at 5:30. They had spent the afternoon together on the trails. As the sun lowered in the sky, Dexter led us up the hill in search of the rest of the herd.

Well before I could see or hear them, Dexter knew his buddies were near enough to hear him call them. He neighed and whinnied and shook his head. From a distance I heard them answer. We walked on and on until eventually we were on one ridge looking across a valley to another ridge where the herd waited for us. Pam turned to me and asked, “Would you like to see a horse fly?” She took off Dexter’s bridle and off he went, just like they say. Running like the wind.

I don’t know why this thrills me so, this peek into a world with few humans. Since the horses were calmer I could be a bit more bold. For me. They seemed curious and funny and friendly this time. And the light added a touch of magic.

I didn’t want to stop, but Pam and I knew we had to get down the hill and back to our cars before it got too dark. So we bid Dexter and his buddies good night.

My two-visit pass to the pasture has expired now, so I won’t be going back any time soon. But I’ll never forget it. Thanks, Pam.