A Horse's Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the barn,
All the creatures were sleeping, all safe, snug and warm.
The feed pails were hung by the stall doors with care,
In the hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The ponies were nestled all warm in their beds,
While visions of carrot cakes danced through their heads.
The Arabs, the Thoroughbreds and even the Apps,
The jumpers and hunters were all taking naps.
When out in the paddock there arose such a clatter,
I awoke in my stall to see what was the matter.
I moved to the window, quick as I should,
To see where the noise came from, if I could.
The sight I beheld as I gazed out that night,
Was a beautiful horse, all whiter than white.
He wore a red blanket, so nice to behold,
His hooves how they sparkled, all glittery-gold.
With swift certain motions to our barn he came,
And silvery moonlight danced from his mane.
More rapid than racers, his hoofbeats they came,
And he neighed and he snorted, and called us by name.
He was our Christmas, a ghost-horse of white,
Who has come to all horses since that one special night.
To remind us of horses who served man so well,
Especialy those with whom a baby did dwell.
For those special horses who shared stable and stall,
To give comfort and warmth to the Savior of us all.
Now thinking of them, he entered the door,
To distribute among us, his gifts and more.
Down the aisle he came, his hoofbeats so light,
And he stopped by each stall in our stable that night.
Gifts he did give to all in our barn,
More heart or more courage, or to be free from harm.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And he filled all the feed pails, then turned with a jerk.
On gold hooves so bright,
And giving a nod, he went into the night
And I heard him neigh as he went out of sight,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NI-I-I-I-GHT!
(author unknown)