• Two Horses

Odie (left) and Dr. Humby

The dogs' mom owns two horses, Odie, a full-blooded Arabia,n and Humby. In truth, I have almost no responsibility for the horses, but complete access, the best of both worlds.

This month was my chance to fully live the life with horses and dogs that I had imagined for myself. Without having to feed the horses, it's not a real trial run. I am not, however, upset. I accompanied the dogs' mom enough to get a sense of horse chores: a back breaking labor of love.

Dr. Humby and me

My job is to keep the horses company. Groom. There's a currie comb for Odie and a metal round "brush" for Humby. Rub mane and tail conditioner with bare hands; comb out. If I want Brownie points in heaven (or with the woman who is feeding the horses) I can rake poop.

So far I haven't had the emotional connection with the horses that I often do. My mind is on dozens of things: gate code, barn number, crotchety barn door, opening and closing gates, apportioning horse cookies, making sure horses don't escape.

Maybe my lesson, here in Santa Fe, is to relax my mind.