A horse may simply go into nap mode as the sky darkens and be mildly confused when “nighttime” ends after a few minutes. Or he may become restless, even agitated, if he thinks something awful is happening.

Due to darkness and extra traffic, the Indiana Board of Animal Health advises horse owners not to be on the road during the eclipse. A secure barn or paddock is a much better place for our equine friends that afternoon.

I’ve been telling the horses I work with that in the middle of the afternoon in a few days, something different will be happening. The light may look a bit dimmer and the air cooler for a short time, and then it’ll be back to normal in a short time. It won’t yet be nighttime and it’s nothing bad – just something nature does once in a while.

I’m appealing to herd leaders to help everyone else stay calm and also let them know what humans will be around that day. I picture everyone taking note of the changes, remembering that it’s OK, and going on with their day.

So far, none of the horses are too concerned. One off-track thoroughbred told me he’d seen an eclipse before. Two senior mares, while appreciating the heads up, were of the opinion that life holds more perplexing occurrences. Duly noted, ladies.

In any case, I plan to be home during the eclipse and remotely send them all reminders and reassurance. Whatever the weather, we will all just absorb what’s happening from wherever we are.

To paraphrase Psalm 19, the heavens tell a greater story.