9/15/2008

Feelings, woo-o-o feelings

There always seems to be a discussion of whether horses, along with other animals, have emotions/feelings. There are some DORs who think that when humans attribute emotions to their horses that it is just projecting their own emotions on their horse. There are other DORs who swear their horse talks to them, I think they must own Mr. Ed. I do believe we have ways of making our DORs know what we want and need-especially if the DOR wants to have good communication with us.
Here is what I have to say about it. I see the DORs car pull in the driveway and I run to the fence. I know the car and I know that it means I am getting a visit. I see a treat tub...well we all know what happens then. I see the saddle being put on the arena fence and I got to the gate and wait, I know I am going to get to play. I call for my pasture mates if they leave. I nicker to them when they return. I follow Salty around to protect him, you see he is getting old and not feeling too well lately. There are things that scare me and things that make curious. I l prefer one saddle pad over another and let the DOR know. I don't like an Aussie saddle but like the DeBerg saddle-boy does the DOR know that. I get happy, especially when I see treats or get scritched. I am sad when one of my friends leave. Most of all I can love.
I may have emotions that are more transitory that a human's, but they still exist. I also have some that seem to last longer or run deeper than a human's also. I know of horses who have visibly morned the death of a pasture mate, horses who remember a beloved owner years after being in a different place, horses who have never forgotten or forgiven a terrible mistreatment. I often think that horses remember humans long after a human has forgotten them.
My friend Red has been talking to his DOR. A horse named Jesse is trying to tell people why he doesn't want ridden. Me, I'm just trying to tell my DOR to give me more treats and scritches.
I think that we horses have to be patient with our DORs, they are doing the best they can in the communication department.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR

6 comments:

Rambling Woods said...

I think that we need a new word to describe the emotions like this. I think that they have emotions. Maybe not my daughter's pet frog, but certainly the cats and of course you Jack... Please pass this on to your DOR...


You wondered about a bird smelling the cat fur. I did too and added on to the post. Some birds like vultures have a good sense of smell, but song birds may not have needed a good sense of smell and may have lost the ability. Interesting though

Amanda said...

I think they are more like us than different from us. They just have very different priorities and needs.

Pony Girl said...

Jack, very insightful post. I couldn't agree with you more. Sometimes I let my pony girl in more than I should. I let her stroke my face and I close my eyes and get all comfy and droopy and lovey dovey with her. Then I suddenly remember for her own good she must continue to think I'm a dangerous prey animal so I have to wake up and act all indifferent and headshy again. It's a tough life, playing this game! ~My Boy

The W.O.W. factor! said...

Cactus Jack...there ya go using your brain..luckily, you have a DOR who realizes you have one!
ps...you know CJ...you think about treats wayyyyy too much! You are gonna get fat if DOR gives you all you think you want and need! :) Scritches...fine, they don't make you fat...

LatigoLiz said...

CJS, please let your DOR know that I am thinking of her today. All the best my dear friend.

squirrelmama said...

Cactus Jack, I think you're on to something. I am beginning to get a hint of some of the same sweet sentimentality in Flo, the young appy I lease and love. Keep spreading the gospel.

 

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