Feeling guilt :(

[My_breadbagel]

I love one horse more than the other… do you feel that way? I just feel so horrible

 

[milliepops]

Mine are all special to me, but some are special-er

don't feel guilty, they aren't your children.

 

[ponynutz]

Not about horses but I love one dog more than the other and feel guilty about it.
But I console myself that I treat both of them the same anyway - nobody gets any special treatment.
I wouldn't feel bad it's just human nature really.

 

[fidleyspromise]

I do. I have one who is cheeky but so much fun.
I love my other mare but not as much and it does make me feel guilty but I also know she has a good life and they both get the same so I don't treat her differently.

 

[Annagain]

They're all special in their own way but I don't think any of them will ever live up to Ebony. He was my horse of a lifetime for so many reasons. I had him from 14 to 27 (both of us) and he saw me through so much of my teenage ups and downs, he was a massive part of my growing up.

I love the bones of Archie even though he's a git and he comes a very, very close second. There's hardly anything in it. I didn't enjoy riding him so much but I love that Archie needs me in a way that none of the others do / did. He seems to genuinely want to be with me and show me affection. Eb didn't give me that, he was far too arrogant!

Monty, despite being the best horse I've ever ridden and probably the one I'd choose to have all over again has never truly been mine (I shared / loaned him) and I've had to keep that bit of distance so I don't love him in the same way.

There was always a barrier with Charlie. I think subconsciously, I always knew he wasn't right for me and we were going to part ways so I didn't let myself get too attached.

I've only had Wiggy two weeks but I already feel more attached to him than Charlie. The only guilt I feel is that I didn't sell Charlie sooner as I think we would both have been better off if I had.

 

[scruffyponies]

I realised ages ago that I love some of them more than others. I also realised more recently that I still love the least of them a great deal.
Emotions are complicated, and it is not necessary (or realistic) to give everything out in equal portions. Neither is it a zero sum game. Loving one more does not diminish your feelings for the other.

 

[irishdraft]

Yes I have a favorite ?

 

[Cloball]

Pretty sure the OH loves the cat more than me and doesn't feel the least bit guilty ?

 

[scats]

Diva blew everyone else out the water. Within 5 minutes I’d have chucked the others off a cliff to save her! ?
Current horses I actually love in equally but probably in different ways.

Out of all my animals, however, my little cat TC is the most precious thing in the world and nothing comes close to the love I have for her. I am completely obsessed with her.

 

[JBM]

My favourite is the one who doesn’t try to kill themselves once a week ?

 

[Winters100]

But why do you feel horrible about it? Do you treat them differently? If not then the horse would not care, so nothing to feel horrible about.

I have told the children many times that I love them all equally, but that who I like the most varies according to their behavior at a given time, so if they want to be the current favorite they need to show me behavior to justify that.

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

Depends which one has been naughty or done something silly most recently as to how I rank them . . . lol!!

No, but in all honesty, I love both of mine equally but in totally different ways. You can't compare them as they're so different, but I couldn't be without either.

 

[IveRunOutOfNamesToThinkOf]

Don’t we all love someone animal or human a little more than the other? Doesn’t mean we treat them different and that is the main thing. It’s ok, we get you x

 

[cauda equina]

I am sure there are plenty of people who don't love their horses at all, they're just there to do a job

 

[My_breadbagel]

Not about horses but I love one dog more than the other and feel guilty about it.
But I console myself that I treat both of them the same anyway - nobody gets any special treatment.
I wouldn't feel bad it's just human nature really.

I try to be equal too… but one is ridden, the other isn’t. So naturally I end up spending more time, money and energy on my ridden shoulders also happens to be my first pony, and then I feel immense guilt… only pony #2 doesn’t care or realise

 

[My_breadbagel]

Depends which one has been naughty or done something silly most recently as to how I rank them . . . lol!!

No, but in all honesty, I love both of mine equally but in totally different ways. You can't compare them as they're so different, but I couldn't be without either.

I feel this way too. My first pony is so so special to me (and I had him for YEARS before #2 came along) and I love his gentlemanly ways after the work I’ve put in (even tho he has bad days too). But #2 I love because he’s absolutely insane. I’d rather give #1 a hug, and play chase with #2, so perhaps that’s why I feel closer to #1

 

[Cortez]

I don't feel guilty about anything, and of course we have favourites. I'm pretty sure parents have favourites too, the trick is not letting the children know - or even better as my parents did, making each child feel that they were the favourite. Well played parents; well played......

 

[My_breadbagel]

But why do you feel horrible about it? Do you treat them differently? If not then the horse would not care, so nothing to feel horrible about.

I have told the children many times that I love them all equally, but that who I like the most varies according to their behavior at a given time, so if they want to be the current favorite they need to show me behavior to justify that.

I just naturally gravitate towards #1 more. He gets the most treats, but I also ride him and he’s bigger than 2 (and the herd leader). They don’t know that I give 1 more either, as I only give them a “handful” each. And if it came to picking who I was going to keep if I could only keep one horse, it would be #1. I love them both so much (and keep them both in the best condition I can). But #2 also hates a fuss, doesn’t like to be bathed, or hugged, and would rather just give me the odd nudge or nuzzle than a proper hug as he’s not as cuddly as #1. I’m a cuddly person, so I find myself “clicking” with #1 more on that level. #2 does make me laugh more though- he’s absolutely bonkers in the best way.

 

[Winters100]

I just naturally gravitate towards #1 more. He gets the most treats, but I also ride him and he’s bigger than 2 (and the herd leader). They don’t know that I give 1 more either, as I only give them a “handful” each. And if it came to picking who I was going to keep if I could only keep one horse, it would be #1. I love them both so much (and keep them both in the best condition I can). But #2 also hates a fuss, doesn’t like to be bathed, or hugged, and would rather just give me the odd nudge or nuzzle than a proper hug as he’s not as cuddly as #1. I’m a cuddly person, so I find myself “clicking” with #1 more on that level. #2 does make me laugh more though- he’s absolutely bonkers in the best way.

Sounds as if you give them both a wonderful life, so no need for guilt, just enjoy them

 

[Lucky Snowball]

I love one as she’s so cute and feisty to ride. One is less exciting to ride but wins loads, the other is a pita in all ways but gives a massive adrenaline kick! I love them all beyond words.