This peaceful scene was photographed from my car and highlights a herd of trail horses grazing contentedly in the open pastures of Cades Cove after being released from their duties at the riding stables. The horses were finally free to relax and feed naturally. With the misty blue ridges of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky, this image captures the serene end-of-day routine where these hardworking animals can unwind in one of America's most scenic valleys.
