02/14/2023
Just had to share
Dear Horse,
I love you very much, and I truly cherish your presence in my life. I would never wish to criticize you in any way. However, there are a few trivial details regarding our relationship that I think might bear your consideration.
First of all, I am already aware that horses can run faster than I can. I do not need you to demonstrate that fact each time I come to get you in from the field.
Please remember that I work long and hard to earn the money to keep you in the style to which you have become accustomed. In return, I think you should at least pretend to be glad to see me, even when I’m carrying a bridle instead of a bucket of feed.
It should be fairly obvious to you that I am a human being who walks on only two legs. I do not resemble a scratching post. Do not think that, when you rub your head against me with 1,000 pounds of force behind it, I believe that it wasn’t your intention to send me flying. I am also aware that stomping on my toes while you are pushing me around is nothing but adding injury to insult.
I understand I cannot expect you to cover your nose when you sneeze, but it would be appreciated if you did not inhale large amounts of dirt and manure prior to aiming your sneezes at my face. Also, if you have recently filled your mouth with water that you do not intend to drink, please let it all dribble from your mouth BEFORE you put your head on my shoulder. In addition, while I know you despise your worming medication, my intentions in giving it to you are good, and I really do not think I should be rewarded for my concern and diligence by having you spit half of it back out onto my shirt.
Sometimes, I get the feeling that you are confused about the appropriate roles you should play in various situations. So here is a bit of advice:
1) Your stone-wall imitation should be used when I am mounting and your speed-walker imitation when I suggest that we proceed on our way, not vice versa.
2) Please also understand that jumping is meant to be a mutual endeavor. By “mutual”, I mean that we are supposed to go over the jump together. You were purchased to be a mount, not a catapult.
On another subject: I know the world is a scary place when your eyes are on the sides of your head, but I did spend a significant amount of money to buy and keep you, and I have every intention of protecting that investment.
Therefore, please consider the following when you are choosing the appropriate behavior for a particular situation:
When I put your halter on you, attach one end of a lead rope to the halter, and tie the other end of the lead rope to a post, or ring, or whatever, I am indicating a desire for you to remain in that general locale. I would also like for the halter, lead rope, post, etc., to remain intact. While I admit that things like sudden loud noises can be startling, I do not consider them to be acceptable excuses for repeatedly snapping expensive new lead ropes (or halters or posts) so that you can run madly around the yard creating havoc in your wake. Such behavior is not conducive to achieving that important goal that I know we both share —- decreasing the number of times the veterinarian comes out to visit you.
By the same token, the barn aisle was not designed for the running of the Derby, and is inappropriate for use as a racetrack. Dragging me down the aisle in leaps, bounces, and bounds is not how “leading” is supposed to work, even if someone happens to drop a saddle on the floor as we’re passing. Pulling loose entirely is also discouraged (although I admit it does save wear and tear on me, as well as allowing you to run faster). Efficiency is not, however, the goal in this case. A graceful and dignified saunter down the aisle a deux is perfectly acceptable - even desirable.
Along similar lines: I assure you that blowing pieces of paper do not eat horses. While I realize you are very athletic, I do not need a demonstration of your ability to teleport 25 feet sideways from a stationary position while also swapping ends in midair, nor am I interested in your ability to emulate a racehorse and bronco while fleeing said piece of paper. It is impressive, but please save it for the dressage ring, where it might earn us both some feed money. Also keep in mind that if the paper were truly a danger, it would be the height of unkindness (not to mention ingratitude) to dump me on the ground in front of it as a sacrificial offering to expedite your escape.
When I ask you to cross a small stream, you may safely assume that it does not contain crocodiles, sharks, or piranhas, nor will it be likely to drown you. (I have actually seen horses swimming, so I know it can be done.) I expect you to be prepared to comply with the occasional request to wade across some small body of water. Since I would like to be dry when we reach the other side of the stream, deciding to roll when we’re halfway across is not encouraged behavior.
I give you my solemn oath that the trailer is nothing but an alternate means of transportation for distances too long for walking. It is not a lion’s den or a dragon’s maw, nor will it magically transform into such. It is carefully tested for use by horses such as yourself, and I promise you that you will indeed fit comfortably into your assigned space. Please also bear in mind that I generally operate on a schedule, and wherever we’re going, I would really like to get there today.
For the last time, I do not intend to abandon you to a barren, friendless existence. If I put you in a turn-out paddock, I promise that no predators will eat you, and I will come back in due time to return you to your stable. It is not necessary to run in circles, whinny pathetically, threaten to jump the fence, or paw at the gate. Neither your stable mates nor I will have left the premises. The other horses standing peacefully in adjacent paddocks amply demonstrate that it is possible to enjoy being turned out for exercise.
Finally, in closing, my strong and gentle companion, I would like to point out that, whatever might happen between horses and their people, we humans will always love you. In fact, our bonds with you help create new bonds among ourselves, even with total strangers. Wherever there are horses, there will be “horse people”, and for the blessings you bestow upon us, we thank you.
Most sincerely yours,
Your Adoring Owner” ~ Author unknown