Horsey Holidays!

From Jim: Do critters need gifts for the holidays? Of course not, they're not even aware that such a thing exists. We constantly put human feelings and thoughts on our animals and it's really not fair. When we buy something for our pets, we're actually buying it because we like how we feel when we do it. The blingy new halter/headstall/breast strap or do-dad is not going to mean nearly so much as some quality time spent loving on your horse. Their social agenda is about interaction and feelings-not stuff. They don't give each other gifts-never have, never will. Your good friend, who happens to be an equine, wants you to spend time with them. A treat is not a bad idea either. Special meals? Changing an equine's diet can be down right dangerous-colic and all. The day in and day out consistent care and feeding means everything. The regular gentle and appropriate interactions really count. Maybe the best "gift" is a new year's resolution to spend more time with your horse. They really do like to be groomed and petted. Hand grazing and quiet walks seem to be welcome. Becoming a better and more knowledgeable horse person can make a real difference to your animal. How about rescuing an unwanted animal and giving it it's life? Now there's a real gift. The battle to keep our humanness from getting in the way of our horse skills never seems to end. They will tolerate our inability to not try and humanize them, but I guarantee they don't like or understand it. Fancy gifts and "things" in general are for us not them. If we want to celebrate our human holidays, that's fine. But please, don't delude yourself about "critter holidays". They're too much into being the best animal they know how to be every single day to set aside special days to be "really good". Go out and love on your horse! You'll both enjoy it. Do it every day and they can all be 'holidays"!