People say that horses don't have feelings--that they don't care about their humans.
I have never bought in to that argument. Yes, they are somewhat food driven creatures but then so are dogs.
I decided to sit in the grass, turning three of them loose where they could graze and I could just enjoy some quiet time with them. Cleo and I are very bonded as I have known her since birth and I was the person who helped her recover from her broken neck. It was interesting to see that even though I had just put her on green grass, instead of venturing off and eating like crazy she grazed in a 6-foot circle around me, occasionally coming in close and touching me with her face and legs.
Even little Story would come in and touch me for a moment and then venture away.
It warmed my heart to know that they were happy to be in my company.
On the weekend, I brought my beautiful gelding Sonny to a Western Dressage Clinic. He would get anxious and look for me every time I went out of his sight. If I walked away, he would follow me with his eyes. Two people that I had never met before commented that he was noticeably calmer when I was near. What a feeling to know that my horses trust me and consider me their safety.
Last night, I wanted to sit and enjoy some peace with the broodmares and observe a mare who is ready to foal. I sat down in a huge pile of hay. As soon as I sat down, one foal laid down to my left and the other little guy who is usually standoffish laid down to my right. He even allowed me to massage his legs as he closed his eyes and had a nap. His dam came over and started eating hay right up against my back, leaning her face against me almost the whole time. It was such a peaceful and beautiful moment. It was even more special because at one time, the broodmares were extremely skittish and wanted very little to do with humans. I spent countless hours working with them to get to this point and to see them actually seeking out my company, well, it has made everything so much more worthwhile. It is also interesting that they only choose to do this when I am on my own with them. It is likely that I put out different energy when I am around people.
There is nothing that grounds me as much as these magical moments. To gain the trust of such magnificent creatures is an honour and a blessing.
