A horse pauses during a snow roll beside a winter barn. Its dark head rises above the powder while folded legs rest loosely in front of its body. Fine white flecks settle across the mane and thick brown coat. The snow beneath its flank is disturbed and compressed, showing the weight of the animal against the ground.

The weathered barn fills much of the background. Gray boards surround an open doorway, and a red roof shows through its uneven layer of snow. A small cupola rises above the roofline. In front, a sturdy rail fence separates the paddock from the building and gives the farm a clear sequence of spaces.

Farther away, evergreen trees climb a broad white hillside beneath a soft gray sky. A pale opening in the clouds brings a little warmth to the scene without changing its wintry calm. The horse's relaxed posture provides the unexpected note of play, while the surrounding buildings, trees and snow keep the whole moment rooted in an ordinary outdoor setting.