The foreground tree to the right of the path marks the location of the mysterious discovery.
A WALK ALONG A RECREATIONAL trail in Dundas on Sunday afternoon yielded a magical discovery at the base of a tree.
I don’t generally glance downward when searching for photo ops. But this day I did and noticed a small toy white horse.
I don’t know the story of who placed the horse here or why. Sometimes mysteries are better left unsolved.
I reacted by embracing this enchanting discovery, of letting my imagination imagine, of accepting the joy this brought to me on a day when I needed joy.
TELL ME: If you have any ideas on this mystery, please share.
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Naturally, the small white horse is waiting for his fairy rider to come out. You did good to leave – she will not emerge if there are visitors around. The door knob and the cross on the high window are the loveliest features of her abode!
I like your take on this discovery, Marilyn.
Someone is home from a very nice trail ride. The horse is waiting patiently to go again. I am one of those weird ones that look at and even photograph bark on trees and every once in a while find the unexpected. Love this – it made me smile 🙂 Happy Day – Enjoy!
Oh, you are not weird. I photograph bark occasionally also. I like the texture in photos.
I think this was a wonderful magical discovery. I think it is a home for the little people. I am sure your granddaughter could share a good story about who lives there.😊
Oh, she would probably say this was home to a ballerina or Daniel Tiger.
😊
How very interesting. I have a blogger and RV friend who makes little woodland fairies and elf houses (https://rightlaners.com/2017/10/29/business-on-the-go/) to hide in the woods in tree nooks such as this. The horse is a sweet mystery and adds a little spark of magic along the trail. Wonder if a geocache is hidden behind the door (a hobby of mine)? Maybe it’s a honeymoon hideaway for a prince and princess after departing their grand wedding on a white steed. Maybe a wounded knight is recovering within, after bravely fighting a hard battle to lift a curse on the kingdom from an evil witch. The possibilities are endless. What a glorious find!
I enjoyed reading about all your creative possibilities.
It is a fairy door. We have them in Sacramento parks. The tree niche forms a doorway and people, often children, add their touches and imagination to create a little world where fairies live. My granddaughters enjoy visiting one in a park we go to occasionally.
Thanks for the answer. What a fun idea to have more of these in your Sacramento parks.
Hey, be careful not to disturb the little people.
Yes, Sir.
Wow this is a fun discovery. I love that someone has also made it to look like a door to an old castle or fort, or maybe even a door that takes you into a land of fairies. I’m glad you looked down 🙂
The imagination can run here. What fun for me to read all the creative ideas here.
Love the white horse…so fun to find those hidden treasures…so glad it sparked joy.
It was so unexpected and who doesn’t like sweet surprises?
It’s a perfect place for a fairy garden so perhaps the fairy rode a horse and left it parked outside?
I like that magical thought.
I have a sneaking suspicion I might know who is behind the little horse. There is a group in Dundas that paints small rocks with various sayings and pictures, and scatters them around the town on trails, etc. I don’t know for sure, but if you ask around Dundas, I’m sure you will find a member of this wonderful group. That is my guess about the horse!
Now I’ll be on the look-out for those rocks.
Aww! It’s a knight’s horse outside the tree castle!
That it may be.
There’s a tree along one of the streets in Northfield that my dog and I walk regularly thatt has a similar tiny door and painted rocks and other artifacts. We once saw a young girl (3-4 y.o.) arranging rocks along a walkway leading to/from the door. She boldly assured us that this was a fairy door.
During the winter, we didn’t see the young landscape architect or the door, but I’m waiting for the first chance to ask how the fairies did during the winter.
Would you be willing to chair the location of that Northfield discovery? I would love to photograph it.
your posting reminds me of the fairy house you can discover along Lake Harriet in Minneapolis where people actually leaves notes. for Mr. Elf https://enchantedamerica.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/lake-harriet-elf-minneapolis-mn/
I think there is also one near Lake Calhoun
what a fun discovery for you
Thanks for filling us in on the metro versions of this.
Wonderful image. Some mysteries are better left alone for the mind to wander.
True.
What a fun discovery!!
Yes, it was.