Departures and Filigree

Well, the furry prognosticator predicts 56 more weeks of winter. We are certainly ready for the vernal warming.

As long as we are on animal notes, we were amused to observe the behavior of canis in the presence of equus this weekend while feeding equus his periodic treat of carrots.

The representative of canis is a Dalmatian of 35 pounds with severe wannabe Alpha tendencies – she is noted for attempting dominance over dogs 2 and 3 times her size. Gently, of course, at first. However, she was substantially overmatched by equus this weekend, an ex-track, ex-jumper thoroughbred of approximately 1400 pounds. During the feeding, she repeatedly attempted to stretch up to see this gigantic relative (the Indians of the North American continent called horses “God Dogs” when they were reintroduced to the land by the conquistadores) and investigate his presence. Her mannerism was clearly demonstrating her flabbergastation at the appearance of such a giant.

Her attempts to establish dominance: 0.

Amount of attention horse paid to dog: 0.

Such bemused toleration might be observed when an uncle deigns to teach something to a young nephew.

Afterwards, dog was splayed upon the back seat in a manner suggesting she had just been to a rousing charismatic church service and had an epiphany. Exhausted, happy, and awed.
We share her awe. Equus in his natural element is a magnificent creature, and their speech to each other is AWESOME!, carrying over acres clearly, at distances where human shouting would disappear. A particularly fine thoroughbred reaching about eight feet at the head was in the turnout pen, strutting around and engendering covetousness in all who observed. Other fine horses were scattered about in preparation for a show, wearing their fine blankets with gold braid (one looked like General Grant in Navy with braided gold epaulets). The musculature! The coats! The intelligence! The beauty!

There are many fine animals on the globe. Elk, Moose, Lion, Elephant. All have appeal – and shortfalls. The rough stock bull of the PBR is magnificent and regal in his presentation, but ultimately still bovine. In our humble opinion, horse surpasses them all. Not the least reason is the relationships humans can develop with horses…

Truly, if one considers dogs the guardian angels of this world and its inhabitants, then horses are the gods themselves. And we are permitted to walk amongst them.