Around noon on a sunny September Sunday. The horses are fresh in from the field, contentedly chewing their hay in the stable. I’m outside in the paddock, shoveling manure. The sun is warming my back, and the physical work is soothing after a busy week at the office.

Hoof steps sound behind me. I turn to see Helgi walk out from the stable, joining me at the wheelbarrow. I briefly scratch his ears and return to my work. Helgi shifts his weight onto one hind leg and his eyes drift almost close. I keep shoveling, carefully moving around him, while my horse drifts into a doze, trusting me to watch over his sleep.

The next few minutes go by with me obediently scratching his face, ears and neck as he presents them.

When his various itches have been taken care off, he pulls his head away from my scratching hands, and we spend another few minutes just enjoying each other’s company. Then he goes back in and rejoins his herd mates at the hay.

I stay outside, the sun still on my face, and contemplate the fact that I am one lucky woman.