Favouritism

I don't know if the horses mind but in my friend's case I hope not. She got a young Arab ..horse Nr 4, in summer and he is the absolutely apple of her eye. He is a lovely chap but it's quite funny as she's very protective of him and it's like watching a very proud mummy. If any of the others look sideways at him they get told off :D and nothing is ever his fault. Luckily the others all have riders who make a fuss of them and ride them so no one misses out on attention and affection.
 
Very interesting question! When I had my old racehorse, Bob, along with my other horse Murphy, I think I, unwittingly, did favour Bob more. I honestly didn't think I was at the time, as Murph got everything Bob got, loads of attention, and love, but he was never as affectionate as Bob, who was a proper gentleman in all respects, except for the odd days when he reverted to "racehorse mode"!
And then I lost Bob to colic, aged 29, and Murphy became my rock. He also became more affectionate and a lot easier, though he can, at times still be a bit bolshy. So, even though I didn't realise it, maybe I was favouring Bob more, and Murph picked up on it. I stress I've always loved him, and he'll never leave me, but maybe there was something in it!
 
The retired ones never receive the amount of attention as the others, they are more than happy being filthy pigs and stuffing their faces. They still get fed, dentist and every other care, but not as much time spent on them no. They are horses not babies though :)
 
Given that I have a number of horses from a foal to a nearly 30 year old whose requirements and management vary dramatically making sure they got the same time would be a bit pointless.

They do all get the same standard of care and are all much loved.
 
This is interesting. I only have the one horse but even if I go near another horse in the field I get the look of death from my girl and they get shimmied off. She seems to be quite posessive of me sometimes so I do wonder if it would upset her if I got another. I secretly like it though:)
 
In a way that they're done daily and all essential stuff is done then no favouritism there obviously.

In terms or work or just 'cuddle' time, then no. Baby cob goes some days just getting fed and a quick check over and fuss, but I'll make more fuss over Welsh mare as take her out for a ride and spend some time giving the TB some TLC etc. Or equally, I'll have a day where I'll do more messing around with the baby coblet and leave the other two workwise, they'll just get a feed and quick check over.

So really, I just decide which horse I want to focus on different days! Not 'favouritism', just spacing my week out getting them all doing a little bit. Have a lady who hacks out mine a couple of times a week, so leaves me time for the baby coblet.
 
I have 3 horses at home, and I have to make sure my chestnut mare gets the most attention otherwise she sulks! She has to be number 1. The other two don't mind so much - they still do get 5* care and cuddles, but the chestnut has to have the most cuddles :D
 
I'll be honest and say yes...

I have my old retired mare Connie and the new kid on the block Mickey (had him since September) - I have surprised myself as to how quickly i have become attached to Mickey (especially as he chucked me off in dramatic style a few weeks into owning him) - hes been so sweet and lovely to handle, and is a real people person - however, Connie is just such a special girl, I adore every little bit of her, so if I had to pick a favourite, it would be Connie everytime. However, as she is retired and lives out 24/7 (as does Mickey) I do tend to spend more time with Mickey, based purely on the fact that I ride him...

Love them both though!
 
My 4 are definately all treated differently according to their needs/personalities etc, I have a very special bond with one but I love them all equally, just in different ways :rolleyes:
ETA: I dont think my horses really care that much but one of mine (the special bond guy) cant be in the field with my other 3 as he thinks I belong to him and gets very jealous, the other 3 couldnt care less as long as they get some time each :-)
 
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I have to admit that my 'proper' horse gets more than his fair share of attention, while the little thoroughbred girls sometimes get overlooked. And as a result, the girls are delightful in every way - lovely people with wonderful manners and a pleasure to be around, while he is a big spoilt arrogant b*gger who demands constant attention. :rolleyes:
 
I just wanted to know what people thought. I understand that the retirees get less time etc and no, they're not babies or children so I doubt it'll scar them mentally for life!

We've got a new addition and she's the big favourite at the moment with the family, and because she'll hopefully be racing next summer I don't see that anything will change. I like her, she's lovely and very sweet-natured, but I'm keen to make sure my other two don't feel like they're no longer wanted, particularly my Big Ears, who was arguably ignored by certain members of my family when her younger sister came along.
 
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