How to Make happy Horses..

[colettybetty]

Is a loved horse always a happy horse ? Take 2 horses for example; one belongs to a kind owner who spares no cost and effort to see her horse is cared for, but quite soft and fails to insist on boundaries for fear of ruining the bond they have.They go for a plod round the block twice a week and may school for 30 minutes lightly as horse isn't very fit. The second doesn't have a one to one owner but is well treated and in regular work and has free time at regular times/days.It is expected to behave well and bolshiness is not acceptable.

Which would you say had the better life ? Is a private owner always preferrable ? Is loving a horse the most important issue ? Neither suffers from neglect or abuse, but which has the better quality of life ?

[cinammontoast]

Boundaries are preferable-mine is mixed: I'm soppy on him but he knows the limits of his easy life! I'd always say one to one, having seen many horses suddenly thrive when taken out of the field and worked. Mine comes belting up to me every day despite some serious work and screams if he hears me!

[eml]

You can probably guess my view:rolleyes:

I don't think a horse without boundaries is necessarily 'happy'. A bit like kids/teens without boundaries:D

[LittleChel]

I think option 2... horses are herd animals so I don't seem the harm in multiple "carers" so long as all of them have the same boundaries and expectations of the horse so that it does not get confused :)