Letting horses see...

[matt_m]

For everyone saying please let them see/investigate the deceased horse as it helps them 'get over' it and realize why their friend is not coming back, I ask what about when moving yards/selling/rehoming? Any previous companions won't understand why they have gone and won't have had 'closure' - why do they need it at death?

I'm not being cold to the fact that animals do understand death and it probably may help them 'get over' it but I'm just posting the question. I do think sometimes we are at risk of putting human values on our animals and it's very easy to convince yourself that what you are seeing is what you think it is. In reality, when you show a horse something it hasn't seen before (a lifeless horse for example) you're going to get unexpected/unusual/curious reactions.

 

[ChwaraeTeg]

For everyone saying please let them see/investigate the deceased horse as it helps them 'get over' it and realize why their friend is not coming back, I ask what about when moving yards/selling/rehoming? Any previous companions won't understand why they have gone and won't have had 'closure' - why do they need it at death?

I'm not being cold to the fact that animals do understand death and it probably may help them 'get over' it but I'm just posting the question. I do think sometimes we are at risk of putting human values on our animals and it's very easy to convince yourself that what you are seeing is what you think it is. In reality, when you show a horse something it hasn't seen before (a lifeless horse for example) you're going to get unexpected/unusual/curious reactions.

It is easier for a human to say that the animal does not have these feelings . It makes it easier for the human to sell him. I have been involved with horses over 50 years and have seen the reality too often. This is why I cannot sell a horse and allow the remaining herd to see their departed field mate. Anthropomorphism will not make it easier for me or my horses. A horse is a horse and cannot think like a human. Acknowledging and recognizing that they do have feelings however differently expressed is helpful.