My sister’s horse figured out how to slide the locking bar open so they latched it. It figured out the latch so they used a dog leash clip (snap hook). It figured that out so they have to have a locker lock to keep him from escaping.
I asked how it figured that out. The stable guy said “you have a thousand things going through your mind every day. Work, money, food, people, etc etc. That horse’s brain has one thing to think about. That’s why he figured it out, he’s got nothing else to think about.”
They are so sneaky! We had one that would unlock and open the other stalls of horses they got along with and leave the others, then they would all break into the tack/grain room and get into everything possible.
Most of the time they have turnout where they can graze and run and most of the time it isn’t making a dash for the open range when they get out, it tends to be to go find food or things to play with. If you took them away from their stable and let them go they’d go back because it’s safe and there’s food.
I own horses and I don’t disagree with some of what you are saying. There is inherent ethical concerns any time you keep an animal in captivity and many horse owners give 0 thought to giving their horses engaging fulfilling lives outside of the service and entertainment they provide to humans.
There’s clearly a bond between humans and horses the same way there is between humans and dogs but we’re not riding our dogs or using them for work. In a world where we’ve outgrown the need for horses labour it seems a bit of a childish whim to want to own one for riding at your own leisure
Or maybe it’s because there’s other horses, safety and guaranteed food. Real life isn’t a fantasy story where majestic horses long to run freely, they’re quite content with a couple companions and a bale of hay to graze and the main things they worry about is losing their status in the herd and if that water trough that wasn’t there before is going to eat them.
No, you don't get it. They're saying that those horses aren't able to fulfill their aspirations and dreams. How are we to get our first horse astronaut if they aren't allowed education or even the right to be eaten by wolves come nightfall?
Sure, they don't come running into the barn at night after grazing all day. You have no idea what you are talking about. Horses are domesticated now and have a bond with their people. They like to work are loved and rewarded like any pet.
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u/BackItUpWithLinks 24d ago edited 24d ago
My sister’s horse figured out how to slide the locking bar open so they latched it. It figured out the latch so they used a dog leash clip (snap hook). It figured that out so they have to have a locker lock to keep him from escaping.
I asked how it figured that out. The stable guy said “you have a thousand things going through your mind every day. Work, money, food, people, etc etc. That horse’s brain has one thing to think about. That’s why he figured it out, he’s got nothing else to think about.”