Edgar Degas, "At the Horse Race"

This morning I went to a horse show to see one of my former students perform, and it was an enchanting experience. The show was held in a beautiful facility hidden away in the Mystic countryside – a collection of barns, show rings, grassy walkways, and assorted tents. The morning light lit up everything like a special show, which indeed it was. My student was absolutely regal on her majestic horse, and I admired her poise as she led him through the various routines. She seemed utterly in control of both herself and her horse, and the horse – 9-year-old Connor – appeared to thoroughly enjoy following her lead. There seemed to be a glow around them both as they performed, as though the sunlight understood how extraordinary they were.