My day began with the delightful anticipation of photographing a friend playing with her horses.  The air was warm.  The earth was carpeted in wheat colored grass and fallen leaves.  I drove along the back roads, entering territory I have never traveled before.  Had I known where I was really going, I may have had this aching in my gut that has been with me, on and off, for these past two days.  One never knows where life is truly leading us.  I believe there is always a divine plan, but how many of us know its course in advance of our arrival?  I didn’t.  Not that day.

After nearly two hours of witnessing one of the most beautiful relationships between a woman and her horses, the events turned towards Nonsh, a 27+ year old horse with Cushings Disease.  Her condition rapidly began to deteriorate, and a decision must be made on her behalf.   Below are images from the final hour with Nonsh and the woman and her pasture mates that loved her.  And will always love her.

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.  (Kahil Gibran)

In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?  (Kahil Gibran)

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?  (Kahil Gibran)

The Viewing

The above image and the four that follow are the horses expressing their grief.  They ran, bucked, whinnied, rolled.  Their emotions were on fire, and it was beautiful to watch.

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.  (Kahil Gibran)

Nonsh, you may be gone from this world but your mark shall always be present in the hearts of those you touched.  I knew you for less than a day but I will always feel the teachings you imparted to me in your final hour.  Thank you.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits