A misty morning ride

Dense mist hung over the lush meadows, and thick fog blanketed the golden fields, creating an ethereal atmosphere.   The sun had just risen.  Dew droplets sparkled on the grass softly bowing in the autumn breeze. 

The early birds started to chirp their songs into the crisp morning air, one could hear the distant calls of a flock of geese flying to the warm south.

Soft steps approached the calm pasture where a herd of lovely horses were peacefully grazing. The beautiful animals lifted their heads attentively at the presence of a young girl standing observing by the rustic fence.  The early visitor was a daily guest at the horse pasture. 

Each morning, shortly after sunrise Bonnie would silently get up, change into her riding clothes, grab an apple from the kitchen, and leave the house as quietly as she could not to wake up her parents who preferred to sleep in. 

Then she would take a narrow, winding path along a luxuriant alley now adorned with the most vibrant autumnal colours of red, brown, orange, and gold to the pasture where the horses spent these early October nights. 

As the days started to cool down, and the trees changed their rustling coats into autumnal colours, the horses would soon spend their nights in the stables, but that wasn't necessary yet. 

The little farm nestled onto the green hills, the rustic barns and stables scattered about like little toys.   Landscape painters would have been thrilled with this peaceful view. 

That’s where Bonnie’s stallion Knight stood too.

Having a horse of your own is a dream come true, and Bonnie was truly grateful that she could count herself amongst these lucky people. 

Her parents bought Knight when he was only a playful little foal, and since then these two have been inseparable. As often as she possibly could, Bonnie made her way to the little farm on the edge of the village, where she spent so many happy hours with her four-legged best friend. 

Just as she always did, Bonnie climbed the sturdy fence on one side and jumped down on the other. Knight, who already spotted her, excitedly approached his favourite human with a cheerful neigh and rubbed his graceful head against her.

Clouds of misty breath rose from his nostrils, the air was still quite chill.  Bonnie patted Knight on the forehead, which he gently reciprocated.  "Hello boy, did you miss me? There you go!“  Bonnie handed him the apple she brought from home, for she knew that they were Knight's favourites. 

Then, Bonnie smoothly mounted Knight with a small jump. For a trained rider who often practiced this, it came easy. Sitting on a horse was a truly unique and absolutely wonderful feeling, she would never be tired of that. 

Now on horseback, Bonnie gently pressed her legs against the horse's belly, and off they went. 

Without a saddle, without a harness. Knight was ridden completely free, with nothing but young Bonnie on his back. They took a turn, and Knight jumped effortlessly over the fence. They were free.  Bonnie guided him to the little pine forest near the old farm. 

It was a beautiful dense forest with many hidden paths and trails, babbling brooks, and pine cones and needles covering the forest floor like a soft carpet, exuding an earthy scent amongst the trees.  A capercaillie let out its distinct call in the distance.  Knight eagerly trotted along the sunlit trail they often took on their daily rides. 

The animals living in the forest didn't feel at all disturbed by their presence. After all, they were already familiar with the young girl and her pretty horse. They just carried on with their own business. The eager squirrels scurried about, busily collecting their supplies, the peaceful deer ate leaves and grasses to gain winter weight, and the birds of course, that were equipping for their flight to the south. 

All of these forest animals were busily preparing for the long and cold winter that the rapidly dropping temperatures promised.  

After they had ridden through the pine forest, they galloped across golden fields and open meadows adorned with wildflowers, until they reached a little hill where they stopped for short to admire the autumnal landscape. 

The view was simply breathtaking.  From up here, one could see the whole little village in perfect serenity. 

A sudden gust of fresh wind ruffled Knights's mane, rustling through the coloured treetops, and swaying the long grass. How beautiful nature was created. Not just in its autumnal glory, but in every season. Bonnie spread her arms, breathed in the fresh morning air, and let the wind play with her hair. The young girl was perfectly happy and wished this moment would last forever. 

After they galloped back to the quaint horse pasture, Bonnie jumped off her loyal friend and hugged him as she bid him her goodbye for that day. God willing there would be another beautiful morning ride the next day and many after that. 

"Until tomorrow Knight!“ Bonnie patted him on the forehead, Knight neighed softly. 

As she walked back home, Bonnie could still hear the sound of hoofbeats on the pine needle-covered ground and the soft neighing of her best friend. 

Tomorrow.