Sunset Posse

I took the kids to ride last night at Stable X's large, outdoor jumping arena. It was eight and already, the sun had set behind the mountains. But it was still light, the sky a pale blue like faded jeans. I sat on a chair while my three children rode their horses, each a different color: palomino, gray and chestnut, a color combination that never fails to make me think of the kids and their horses as some sort of a cool posse.

In the north sky, a three-quarter moon hung low. Somewhere in the distance, dogs barked excitedly, perhaps at their masters coming home. The cool September evening air chilled me, but not enough to warrant the hoodie tied around my waist.

My children loped around me, and I could feel their exhilaration as though I were the one sitting in their saddles.

The moon, stretches of green still for miles around me, the crisp fall air, and my three children on their horses enjoying themselves...

I felt a deep contentment settle in my bones.