I was reading this at 11:30 last night. It is not uncommon to hear deer outside the window so when I heard a slight noise I wasn’t surprised. What surprised me was that it sounded like a horse. I wondered how that was possible. I listened for more and heard nothing but some hoof beats. Finally, I stopped being lazy and got up. Nothing out the bedroom window so I went out front to the picture window and there was a horse. That was a first! He was in high spirits and prancing around so I thought it would be gone soon but after a few minutes I went outside with a banana to see if I could get close to him. When I got out two cop cars were in the yard. The horse ran back and forth around the house unable to get out due to the fences. He would run by me within 5 ft which was a rush. I stayed still. This went on for several minutes and when he was close I would whistle softly, etc to get his attention. To my surprise he walked up to me and I was able to get a grip on his halter. The cops were surprised. A few seconds later a woman with a grain bucket drove in and got a lead on him. I headed back in.
There is a race track next door and this was a standardbred racehorse so I see horses all the time. I ignore them and turn a jaded eye to all the people obsessed with them. However, in this context I could see how wonderful an animal a horse is. It was such a thrill when he saw me as friendly and walked up to me. When I held him I could feel his power and personality. It is easier to see why people are so into them. Little wonder natives on the plains called them a “God Dog”.