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A black and white Border Collie sits in a heap of fallen leaves while a chestnut horse lowers his nose to sniff them. 7 / 36

A Border Collie Dove Into the Leaf Pile, and a Horse Went to Investigate

AI imageborder colliechestnut horseautumn leaves

Fallen leaves in shades of gold, orange, and rust have been raked into a crunchy heap, and two friends are deep in it. A black and white Border Collie sits in the pile with his mouth open in a happy pant, while a chestnut horse bends his long face down to sniff the leaves right beside him. A watering can, a pair of rubber boots, and a weathered fence give the yard its late-season look. The collie is Scout and the horse is Copper.

Border Collies are famous for their intelligence and their endless energy. They were bred to herd sheep, so they love having a job and a challenge, and a pile of leaves can make a fine playground for a dog who loves to move. They thrive with daily exercise, training games, and company, and they can become bored or restless without enough to do. Horses are curious about new smells and textures too, and they will often investigate anything that rustles.

Autumn play is great fun, but it comes with a few things to watch. Wet leaves can hide sharp sticks, thorns, or mold, and some wild mushrooms and acorns are harmful to pets and horses. Check your dog's coat and paws for burrs, and keep the horse's paddock free of anything he shouldn't nibble. Your vet can tell you about local plants and seasonal hazards.

Scout is happy in the middle of the pile, and Copper is sniffing every corner. It is a crisp, golden afternoon, and they have all the time they need.

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