I think one of the most touching things I ever have seen a horse do happened at an endurance ride a couple of years ago. An elderly gentleman finished the ride and needed to do his "trot out" for soundness at the finish. His much younger riding partner was going to trot his horse, but he wouldn't move for her.
This man asked the vet's permission to do his trot out without a lead. The man moved off pretty awkwardly, arms pumping madly - not much grace or agility involved, but he did it . His horse trotted happily along beside him, obviously sound and "fit to continue", which is the requirement. They reached the end and trotted back. The watching crowd clapped and they picked up their vet card and walked off to camp, horse still off lead. It was a sweet moment and the guy was awarded the special Veterinary Award as an example of true partnership between horse and rider. Nancy
