Domestic horses don't get a whole lot of choice of where they live. Even if they're sold to a new person that's a good fit, their home is determined by their owner, what's available, and "shoulds" of local horse culture. So it's our responsibility to create a supportive environment that meets their needs, especially if we want a horse with a regulated nervous system. Providing that home seems the easiest way to have engaged and relaxed horses, more likely to be safe and enjoyable. Horses need friends, movement, and foraging, and each have their own preferences as well. Learning about their physiology, social dynamics, and instinctual behavior helps a lot. Observing their interactions and choices, when they're relaxed vs stressed, helps me know how to support their well-being.
Most of the time I spend with Smoky and Rohan is addressing those needs; bringing a snack and filling a slow-feeder toy if they're only fed 2x/day, taking them on walks and to graze, giving them options and space to make choices, itching scratches, and bodywork to relieve stress. I've learned Rohan likes a lot of connection and play. Smoky wants a lot of choice. There are things we can do even when we don't have many options for board.
And I love to envision my own place to keep them. ;)
I'm learning to be more aware of what I need at a given time, regardless of my environment and "shoulds".
Comentarios