Horses and Responsiveness

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LoseDrawWin

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I love horses but one thing that gets me is that they can never offer you that companionship or responsiveness like a dog can! it's the only down thing with horses, they just don't give you enough love or feedback a dog can and always seems like a 1 way relationship.
 
So do I totally disagree the difference is they are prey animals and dogs like humans are hunters but they are just as reponsive.
 
Depends on the horse. Some of them seem to have little interest in people. However Im sure my TB would cwtch up on my lap if I let her!!
 
Another one here who disagrees.

My mare is not a cuddly horse but she is definatley responsive and looks forward to us doing things together.
 
I don't WANT my horses to be like dogs (that's what I have dogs for....), can't stand over familiar, clingy horses that think they are the centre of attention. Or "poodly" owners who gush over their little darlings every misinterpreted response. Horses are horses. Get a dog.
 
Cortez said:
I don't WANT my horses to be like dogs (that's what I have dogs for....), can't stand over familiar, clingy horses that think they are the centre of attention. Or "poodly" owners who gush over their little darlings every misinterpreted response. Horses are horses. Get a dog.
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Ditto...although all 3 of mine have their soppy moments..:)
 
Its down to the individual animal- our IDx couldn't care less about people (until its feed time) and doesn't notice if we go away and leave him for a holiday. The shetland on the other hand is much cuddlier than the dog, and he has such a huge personality. He'll come to see you for a fuss rather than eat (even when he's really hungry), and if he's lying down he likes a cuddle, I've even taught him to stay and come when told- he's almost as well trained as the dog :p now to teach him to sit...
 
I disagree, my pony is besotted with me. Follows me everywhere, comes to call and whinnies when he see's me. It's great to have such a great bond with your horse :cool:

A lot of it depends on the individual, some horses are affectionate and some aren't I although my pony is abnormally loving aha!
 
Horses are more reserved in the way they express affection, but then, would you want a horse charging up to you, jumping up on you, and licking your face?
 
I disagree. It depends on the horse.

Both my WB and my Dales youngster are really people horses - as soon as they spot me they will gallop over to greet me. It makes me feel very loved and if not a tad scared as the WB is 17hh and very athletic and he will stop a cm away from my face :( He used to be aggressive (abuse history and physical pain), but is very loving now :)

My youngster wants to lick me and walk in my footsteps all the time. He is a little too in my face, but that can be forgiven at 2 yrs old and there us no nastiness; he just really enjoys human company.

My falabella x is aloof and nervy and mistrusting - he is 22 yrs old - I have owned him for 19 years and he has always been the same.

My daughters pony loves to be cuddled and talked to - not so hot on being groomed, whereas my mare loved to be groomed and massaged and fussed.
 
padderpaws said:
Poodly owners??? How rude :( I am a poodle owner and have never gushed over her nor will I.
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Ahem: I have an Irish Water Spaniel, a Standard Poodle & a whippet. All of them are great farm dogs and not a bit spoiled, oh no, not at all..........

BUT, they are dogs and are by nature fond of humens. I don't want my horses to "bond" with me, I want to ride them and safely ride them. I like them to be confident and not afraid of people (well, just afraid enough, actually), but I don't want them hanging around all the time. Difference is the dogs are pets, the horses are not. If you want your horse to be a pet that is your business; I'd rather not.
 
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I find that horses are just as responsive to handlers mood as any dog and will take a rider out of a dodgy situation, of their own accord. As a teenager we had an aged gelding, who appeared to have understood that his retirement job was to look after me and sister. On one memorable occasion, riding through a local wood, a middle aged 'gentleman' approached me and after initial pleasentaries started making comments of a slightly off colour nature, the gelding left the scene at a canter with me, before it dawned on a naive me what was going on. Over the years there have been other examples of the horses picking up on what was going on, either internally with the handler, or externally and protecting the rider. I do think it depends to some extent on the amount the handler is prepared to tune in with the horse.
 
You usually have to work much harder to get emotional recognition and response from a horse - compared to dogs that are very free with their affection - but that makes it all the more precious, imo.
 
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