--- In [email protected], Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Not everyone can afford to keep their horses without the horses having some job and who are we to judge which horses are happy and which are not; and what is a suitable job. It sounds like Vicka is trying to watch Stjarni and hopefully if she see a change in his behaviour, demeanor or attitude she will adjust his job description. > Robyn
-------------Robyn, I feel pretty strongly about this. *I* wanted Osp to be an awesome show horse, drill team horse, camping horse, etc... As it turns out, Osp is not those things - by her own choosing, not mine. Osp is a teacher, and that is the job she is happiest with. She is happiest when she is surrounded by children learning about how to put on a halter or pick out her feet. She is happiest when she has a timid rider on her back. She is happiest when she is giving a lesson in either a round pen or arena. She is not thrilled about doing drill teams. She is not happy camping. And show horse she is not. How do I know she's happiest as a school horse (read: teacher)? She is most willing, calm and relaxed when doing these things. She has a soft look in her eye, and her body is soft and relaxed. She is very willing to do what we ask of her while in teaching situations. Not all horses are miserable being "just school horses". Some excel in teaching other horses and people, and they enjoy it. Dawn B.S. - northern Michigan
