A Perfect Night

Like much of the country, we have been getting lousy weather. What can we expect for winter in Cleveland? Most days have been cold—very, very cold. We have had plenty of nights on either side of zero—and that is Fahrenheit, not Celsius. We have also had enough snow that I am sick of it—though we have had worse in the past.

It always amazes me how much we get used to the cold. Back in November, if it got below freezing, it was a crisis. Now, I am happy if it is over 20 degrees—and I only get really grumpy when the high for the day is in the single digits. Of course, a lot of it has to do with wind chill. On a very cold day, the indoor arena is tolerable because we are out of the wind.

Last night, it was 20 degrees in the indoor arena—and about 10 degrees outside. The sky had cleared and the temperatures were plummeting—but there was no wind. When Kevin suggested that I ride outside with him while he took Starry for a walk, I thought I would give it a try. When I got cold, I could get off and lead, too.

I warmed up Cole in the arena, and he was in the right mood. When Kevin was ready, we went outside.

We were welcomed by the brightest moon—it was beautiful. It was so bright, I think I could have read a book. The night before, 6 inches of snow fell—it glistened in the moonlight. It was so cold that the snow scrunched. The barn owner plowed us a nice path around the back of the property—Kevin and I were the only brave souls who ventured on it all day. What a bunch of sissies at our stables.

Kevin and I walked 4 times around the loop—about a mile. Cole behaved simply perfect. Starry was a little feisty, at first, but then he settled down. I never did dismount. I really have gotten used to the colder temperatures.

Just a few months ago, I would have never believed that Cole could be ridden outside in the snow on an extremely cold night—and be a prefect angel. It is always a wonderful feeling when we get to “that place” with a horse. It’s not always easy, but when you get there, it is worth every minute of the journey.