Attn: Horse people!

Hi,

We went away to the lake this weekend..
On the way to the country store, I saw this beautiful Pinto? patterned horse penned by the side of the road...

I haven't been having a nice time with my mum's diagnosis lately and after having mentioned how beautiful the horse was to my BF, he pulled into the people's driveway and got out and asked if I could visit with the horse a bit.

They ok'ed it and I walked over to his pasture.. He walked right up to me upon seeing me walking over and was the most gentle boy. I have not petted many horses (actually zero since I was a little girl) and don't know much about them...Anyway, the woman back at the house standing with my BF asked him if he had a camera as this was definitely a "kodak" moment..She pointed over to us and told him "Cody must really like your girlfriend..He is hugging her back"...At the time, I had just patted him on his head for a few minutes and he had leaned into me and snuffled in my hair and just stayed there...So, I put my arms around him and just gave him a big hug...
Then he just looked me in the eye for a long while and I felt the weirdest animal human connection as I spoke softy to him..And then I started crying a bit (it was just me and him out in the field)..

Then I climbed the fence and got in with him and just walked around a bit..And he followed me the whole while..He would then suck on my arm for a bit or my hair (which totally freaked me out to tell you the truth..but he never bit me or used his teeth or anything)
Then it was time to say goodbye and he walked me back to the fence..

The woman then came over and said she got a couple of pictures of us and that she would leave them at the town store for me next time I was in town..

She said something about him looking like he was comforting me and I was taken aback (I had thought that the BF must have told her about my mum but he hadn't he later said)...I told her about my mum and she said
"well horses sense things humans may not"...
THen she added that I probably comforted him too.. For some reason, he was recently separated from his other horse friends and was put in this area of the pasture alone recently and that he was very stressed and acting up about it lately..She added that his tail hair had fallen out recently and was just growing back due to the stress..

This just made the whole scene feel so good and beautiful and was the best I had felt in days..
She then told me that if I could do that for him again, I was welcome back anytime...

It was so super sweet and kind. And the experience did so much for me...

So, my question is..Do the horse people here notice tremendous personalities or characteristics like this in their horses..?

He was 4 years old but that is all I really know..SHe said he was a Pinto but I didn't get what breed of horse he was.. He was HUGE though with a big head and seemed tall to me (though I don't know anything about them)..He seemed really powerful as well and was no racing type of thoroughbred horse or anything like that...Just really beautiful red with a white splash of spots.. and a beautiful blond mane...Other than going back there and finding out, is there any real way to discern what type of horse he is???

I can't wait for my next visit..

What do horses like for treats? She gave me a couple of sugar cubes to give him but is there anything else?

Thanks for any info!!

Aww sweety..he sure did connect with you! When you go out next..blow air in his nose..see if he blows back thats a fun little thing to do.

Yes I do notice diffrent things like that in my horses. Vixen is my champion. shes stubborn though, when i need a shoulder she always hugs me and let me do what I need to do.

Laira is my comedian..she does something funny to make me laugh..

Kiss is my silent soul. who will listen to hours on end while i talk about lifes stresses

and Mishka..is the one who needs my comfort..but in turn she gives what she can.

If she said he was a Pinto, Pinto is the coloring. so he could be any breed..Paint would be the actual breed...but you can go ahead and ask her i am curious to know..

As for treats, to many sugar cubes are bad IMO..

Carrotts, and Apples are very liked by horses.

And you can find some cheap apple treats made just for horses at most feed stores too.

What a beautiful moving story!
Yes, all horses have their own personalities, and they're all very unique. Part of the wonder of a horse, is that they seem to be able to just know who to pick out of a crowd, who they will get along with best. I guess that works out for the best, it means that for every person who is willing, there is a compatible horse (or maybe a few ). It sounds like this big hunk of love has had his heart stolen by you
Horses love carrots and apples the most. My special horse used to love to have her apples cut up, because she choked on the skins if I didn't (and I'm a big suck). I've never given sugar to a horse, but I did find some dried alfalfa and apple cubes at a horse show once. Some feedstores will sell dried alfalfa clumps for training and treats. Just be sure to keep your fingers out of the way when he goes diving after his presents!
Enjoy him, and soak up all of the wonderful theraputic benifits that being near a horse, smelling a horse, and loving a horse can do.

Thanks for the tips!
Yes, she said he was a pinto, but I realized (after learning on here) that Pinto is the colour not the breed. I will ask her next time I go out and let you know.

I will take him some carrots and apples..
He also ate the clover grass right out of my hand but I guess that is what horses eat all day when they graze...

I just found in him utter beauty, and calm...

Do your horses all get along with each other?

I don't know why he was put in a pasture by himself as she said he was actually her niece's horse ...I asked if he was for sale and she said no SHe said he was ridable.
But a friend of mine (whose relatives have horses) who came with me on our way out of town (we stopped so I could say goodbye to him) said that his feet didn't look taken care of.. But that he looked brushed recently..

I got all worried about his feet and asked what a vet visit would cost to trim his hooves (maybe the owner couldn't afford it) and my friend said "too much"...

I will be worried about this for now...Again, I don't know all that much yet but this should be a fun thing to learn about and to take my mind off things...
And he is only an hour away

Well it woudlnt be a vet for his feeties, it would be a farrier around here they run about 20-30 a trim.

My horses all get along, but they defiently have a herd order of things. and sometimes can get a little rough.

To bad hes not for sale..but you never know...maybe that will change

Originally Posted by Sylorna

What a beautiful moving story!
Yes, all horses have their own personalities, and they're all very unique. Part of the wonder of a horse, is that they seem to be able to just know who to pick out of a crowd, who they will get along with best. I guess that works out for the best, it means that for every person who is willing, there is a compatible horse (or maybe a few

). It sounds like this big hunk of love has had his heart stolen by you

Horses love carrots and apples the most. My special horse used to love to have her apples cut up, because she choked on the skins if I didn't (and I'm a big suck). I've never given sugar to a horse, but I did find some dried alfalfa and apple cubes at a horse show once. Some feedstores will sell dried alfalfa clumps for training and treats. Just be sure to keep your fingers out of the way when he goes diving after his presents!
Enjoy him, and soak up all of the wonderful theraputic benifits that being near a horse, smelling a horse, and loving a horse can do.

Click to expand...

Thanks..He sure stole my heart on sight. I can tell you that.
It was a very powerfully unexpected emotion..

That is why I selfishly asked her if I could buy him...But alas, at least I can visit anytime

Thanks for the treat tips. I will load up for the next time I go out.

You are absolutely correct. It was one of the most therapeutic moments of my life..I mean I do get the same from my kits. But this was just different and very much unexpected..

I miss him already..I envy all of you who get to see and live with these magnificent creatures daily.. sigh.

Originally Posted by ScamperFarms

Well it woudlnt be a vet for his feeties, it would be a farrier

around here they run about 20-30 a trim.

My horses all get along, but they defiently have a herd order of things. and sometimes can get a little rough.

To bad hes not for sale..but you never know...maybe that will change

Click to expand...

duh. see how much I know..
Well, that doesn't seem to bad at all a price for that...I will mention it.
But then I also don't want to sound pushy and overbearing...
I did ask her why he kept picking his feet up and scratching himself and she told me that his tail isn't long enough yet to get the flies off him..

BTW, your horses are absolutely beautiful... Wow, I am just sooo envious of you.. I can't imagine the love. The work! but ahhh.. the love
and you have kits AND dogs too. I am tired just thinking about it

Ahh, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing that beautiful experience with us!! That horse indeed has bonded with you! they are very sensitive, and very similiar to cats in their perceptions & ability to sense mood. In fact, my cats & horses were always very good at communicating with each other.
Your experience reminded me of how my mare comforted me after my 18 year-old nephew was murdered. She let me bury my face into her mane, and she curved her neck around my back, and would press me closer into her mane & then nuzzle me.
the bond between horses & people goes back since time immemorial. I hope that you get to see your pony friend soon!
In addition to apples, watermelon rinds, carrots, horses LOVE bran mash. Just wet the bran (either what's sold at feed stores or in the people market) into a mush ---it's nutritious and very good for their digestion, too. Just clear with the owner anything that you feed him first, some horses are prone to colic.
I hope this is just the beginning of many friendships that you have with horses. Scamper Farms gave you excellent advice about blowing in his nose. It is very good horse-manners and the proper thing to do when introducing yourself to a horse. The horse will be able to tell all sorts of things (so I've been told by some of the best horsemen in our area), including your health, your feed,& your own personal scent. Supposedly, the horse will never forget you, once he knows your scent.

Originally Posted by Loveysmummy

duh. see how much I know..
Well, that doesn't seem to bad at all a price for that...I will mention it.
But then I also don't want to sound pushy and overbearing...
I did ask her why he kept picking his feet up and scratching himself and she told me that his tail isn't long enough yet to get the flies off him..

BTW, your horses are absolutely beautiful...

Wow, I am just sooo envious of you.. I can't imagine the love. The work! but ahhh.. the love

and you have kits AND dogs too. I am tired just thinking about it

Click to expand...

That is surely part of it. They do use that tail alot to kick at the flies and such you can always ask her when the last time his feet were done..seem honestly interested. Some horses dont keep their feet nice no matter how often you keep them trimmed up.

Standard is every 6-8 weeks

Thanks for the compliment on my kids

I do have two that may be up for sale..*wink wink nudge nudge*


but yes..LOL my work around here is never ever done.

Since you are considering offering to have his feet trimmed, and he is rideable, may I suggest asking the owners to consider a lease? It's very common here, the owners are still responsible for vet bills but you pay for the feed and/or stall rent and you get exclusive, unlimited use of the horse. You could even do a trial period of say 30 or 60 days, since winter's coming & riding might get limited. You might want to splurge on some lessons for yourself. If you lack the funds, but can drum up some time, often the theraputic riding centers will give you free lessons in exchange for volunteering at the center. Plus, they'll show you how to groom, saddle up, handle & care for horses; the horses are just these incredible, kind caring horses who pride themselves on taking good care of their riders. Even if you can't lease your special pony, you can keep visiting him regularly; just like a courtship! Just don't let Lovey get jealous (actually, my cats have never been jealous of my horses, just the dogs)

Ohhhhhhh.... I just LOVED your story!
I do truly believe, that horses have that 6th sense too, just like a cat or dog. I had a BEAUTIFUL quarter horse a number of years ago. She was named Toffee and was toffee colored with white "Socks" and a white star on her forehead. She loved to nuzzle with me--ESPECIALLY, when she knew I was getting ready to feed her, my darling Pony, Dusty and my little goat, named Feather! She LOVED to ride and LOVED to gallup at high speeds, if I let her! It was THE most free feeling, as we rode down back country roads. We would trot for awhile, then "open up" and go at full speed through the countryside. She was so affectionate and I miss her to this very day.
I had several kitties then, too, and they all got along so well outside with Toffee and my little Goat Feather! Now Dusty and her??? Well, Dusty was my darling Pony, but he was sometimes cantankerous and wanted ALL the attention, ALL the grain and ALL the treats too!!!
Toffee's(AND Dusty's!) FAVORITE treat were APPLES, APPLES and MORE apples!!!!! I had an apple tree outside the fence, and they were FOREVER leaning on it, trying to get to that darn tree! So, I had frequent fence repairs, due to that! But, they were worth it! We had a farrier come in about every 8 weeks and take care of all their hooves.
I know how you feel about that horse! I so often felt that way about Toffee, Dusty AND my little Feather Goat!!!
I hope you can continue to build on your relationship, and am sorry you are upset about your Mom. Maybe this will help with your anxiousness and worry. Animals DO have a way with helping with this! They just KNOW.......

How very sweet! That is just a wonderful, encouraging story, thank you for sharing it!

My girl (Babe) doesn't like the store bought treats. She likes apples ok, but totally LOVES a big fresh carrot. She will beg like a big ol puppy for them!

I'm glad you have a friend in this horse. I would suggest you don't try to buy or lease this horse at this time. He is simply a friend. You can let them know if he goes on sale you are interested, but in the meantime just visit and comfort each other!

yes there is a connection and it sounds like you found it with this horse. They are really the world's greatest teachers. Mine give me great hugs when I need them, and are endlessly patient with me. As mentioned, when you go visit him again, blow in his nose gently. This acquaints himself to your scent and he should blow back. For treats, check with the owner, but apples are good, especially apples spread with peanut butter (but be sure he has water nearby). Carrots are always a treat. You can buy prepackaged horse treats at a feed store mostly apple or blueberry flavored. Just don't overdo the treats. Ask the owner to show you how to groom him out, and pick his feet. But keep your wits about you, they can hurt you in a second flat and not even be aware they did. Wear heavy shoes around him, and although he doesn't sound like a biter, he does sound like he might nip you. Keep your palm flat while feeding him, and when he is walking next to you, stretch your arm out full length at your side and make sure he stays at least that far from you. If he startles and kicks, you should be safe. If the owner lets you groom him, hug his side as you brush him. That way if he kicks out, you won't get hurt.

Horses are as therapeutic as cats to those who empathise with them. And they benefit right back, as you dicovered. That is a wonderful story and I loved reading it. I would agree not to be more than a friend to this pony at this time, but if you have been bitten with the horse bug (and it sounds like you may be) then as said, find a local stables/barn and learn more about them. They take a lot of looking after and can be very expensive in vets' bills, but the experience of building a relationship with a horse is amazing as they get to trust you. Let us know what happens!

Thanks for the replies and the tips..
I will try the blowing in the nose thing
And will ask if I can bring him some apples..

I rethought the buying/leasing thing and realized that would be presumptious at this time.
One, I don't know the first thing about horses as you can all tell.

I thought that perhaps in between visits, I would ask for riding/horse lessons as an extremely early birthday present.

This will be my gift to myself for right now and I think will help me to deal with the issue with my mum's illness too.

I really do think I believe in some sort of fate now..Odd how that horse was just there when I needed him. And that he turned out to have an affection for such a dummy non horse person like me

MA--I was actually wearing sandals when I was out in the field with him and at one point, he went to get closer to me and put his foot up sort of on my leg and foot..I went uh oh, this is a 1000 lbs going to crush me any second..But, as soon as I made the uh oh shriek, he backed up immediately. It was kinda cute..But from now on, I will wear the appropriate attire.

I may pm some of you with horses with questions if you don't mind as I learn.

Thanks again for all of your help

www.equine-love.com was set up to give people a taste of what you need to do to be a horse owner. You are fortunate that this fella has been bombproofed. I have been stepped on, thrown off, smashed heads with my horses and it definitely is a wake-up call. If the owner is reluctant to let you spend time with him, it is probably because her insurance rates would skyrocket if he hurt you. And although you believe he won't hurt you, trust me, he might. I know we pay high premiums for our home insurance, and we have been told repeatedly- "Get rid of the horses, and your rates will do down." Not an option in my book-

So just be careful, and learn all you can about horses. Find a boarding barn and ask if you can pitch in mucking stalls and feeding for lessons. Watch how each boarder interacts with thier horses. Stay out of the way as much as possible. Look at all the tack that they buy for their horses, what discipliines they ride in. Ask questions, but don't pester. Learn about farrier bills, vet bills, vaccinations, horse trailers. It is a complicated world to own a horse. They aren't like cats, and they live over 30 years (usually) You don't deal with fleas, but you fight flies, bot flies, mosquitos, worms. If you show or board, your horse is at the mercy of other horses if their owners aren't responsible and they don't vaccinate their horses as well. You can't just have a horse and keep him out in a pasture on in a stall. You have to interact with him, train him, or send him for training, or buy a bombproof horse. You think vet bills for cats are expensive? This latest bout with Racer and bruised heels, cost us well over $2,000.00 before we were "done" and we still have to do frequent trims $25.00 a foot, or get shoes $150.00 Then there is hay and supplements to consider- bales run here anywhere from $1.25 apiece to $10.00 depending on the grade. Alfalfa, forget it, horses do not need alfalfa unless they are high performance or endurance horses-

Ask the other horse owners here to give you a look at their day. My morning typically starts at 5:30 a.m. I feed and water the horses, clean stalls, clean the paddock, move manure. In summer put on fly masks and fly sheets, pick feet, groom them if they are dirty then turn them out to pasture. I usually finish by 7:00 a.m.