I think this poem is great because of the multiple interpretations. The “darkest evening of the year” could refer to despair or to the actual darkness outside. Why does the horse shake the harness bells? Did the horse really think it was “queer” to stop there, or was it the traveler’s own doubts? I’ve never figured that out. I think that your interpretation is also valid. I’m glad this was posted this morning. Interesting.
Could it be that the horse thought it queer to stay so long without some kind of sensory input?
Alas, the perception of things is different for us than that of a horse. ;-D