There are moments that remind us why we fall in love with horses in the first place. At West Meadow Farm in Bradford, New Hampshire, one unforgettable winter afternoon captured something truly magical – a woman and her horse playing together in the snow like children without a care in the world.
Sandy Hodskins and her 17-year-old Kiger Mustang, West Wind, have built an extraordinary connection rooted in natural horsemanship principles. When a fresh blanket of snow covered the farm recently, Sandy decided to embrace her inner child and make snow angels. What happened next will melt your heart.
A Bond Built on Natural Horsemanship
Sandy acquired West Wind as a yearling from Bend, Oregon, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Their relationship is grounded in natural horsemanship – a training philosophy that prioritizes understanding equine psychology and behavior. This approach has allowed Sandy to develop an intuitive connection with her mare that goes beyond traditional horse training.
Natural horsemanship has enabled them to enjoy countless activities together, from recreational riding to training and competition. But perhaps the most meaningful moments are the simple ones – like the afternoon they spent playing in the snow.
A Playful Moment That Stole Our Hearts
After clearing the farm of snow with her husband, Sandy led West Wind to a pristine paddock untouched by footprints. The fresh powder seemed to inspire her playful spirit, and she began making snow angels in the winter wonderland around her.
West Wind watched with curiosity, and within moments, the inquisitive mare decided to join in the fun. Dropping to the snow-covered ground, West Wind began rolling and creating her own snow angel alongside her beloved owner. It was a spontaneous display of joy that showed just how well Sandy understands her horse’s personality and preferences.
Why This Moment Matters
In our busy, adult lives, we often forget the simple joys that define childhood – playing in fresh snow, laughing without reason, and embracing pure spontaneity. Sandy’s snow angel adventure reminds us that these moments matter, especially when shared with the creatures we love.
West Wind’s willingness to participate speaks volumes about the trust and respect between horse and human. Through natural horsemanship, Sandy has created an environment where West Wind feels comfortable being playful and expressing her personality. This is what true horsemanship looks like – not dominance, but genuine partnership.
See the Magic for Yourself
This heartwarming interaction between Sandy and West Wind is a beautiful testament to the power of natural horsemanship and the incredible bonds we can form with our equine partners. Watch the video below to experience this joyful moment firsthand, and don’t hesitate to share it with fellow horse lovers!
Have you experienced magical moments like this with your horse? Share your stories in the comments below, and spread the joy by sharing this video with your horse-loving friends and family. These are the moments that remind us why we love our horses so deeply.