Loved that song when the Beetles did it back in the ’60’s.

I watch how each of my boarders show love to their horses, and how the horses show their love back. No two horse/person are the same.

One boarder speaks to her horse and the horse speaks back to her. They run around the field (on foot) together playing tag. As first it unnerved me, but it’s what they do.

Another boarder comes and gives her horse a body massage. He loves it and snuggles into her. We’re not talking pony, we’re talking a big strong Thoroughbred who melts like butter with her touch.

Now the woman who owns the TB brought her new boyfriend over the other day and he was standing there watching the interaction between horse and woman. The TB’s Quarter Horse buddy was standing there watching this also. Now the QH doesn’t like men and is very skeptical of strangers, but the boyfriend walked over to the QH and started softly speaking to him, then started petting him, and the two of them spent the next half hour just hanging out and enjoying each others company. I was shocked, but it made the QH feel loved.

It’s interesting to see the difference it makes to the horse if an owner is present in their lives, or has not seen them in a year or two. In the beginning (when they are sent here for retirement) the owners come often, call or text everyday asking how the horse is doing. As the years go by they come less often, call or text less often, and eventually, they just send checks and ask if the horse is still healthy and happy. The owners know they are safe and well taken care of, and just go on with their lives. Oh they intend getting up here to visit, but something always comes up and they’ll do it next week. Those horses have a sadness about them. I try to make them feels special, but on the other hand the one horse said, “I’ve had many owners, what’s one more.” So apparently, he’s had many owners who have come and gone in his life, and this one is just one more.

My TB mare just loves me for the carrots and food I supply, although she really loves personal attention, but my QH mare loves to hang with me. Especially if there’s a belly rub in it for her. I know she’s missing the one on one time, and perhaps after Bobby’s surgery we can spend more time together. I keep promising, and she keeps believing (I think). Or she might just be rolling her eyes and thinking, sure we will.

Did you ever think about how you show your love to your horses? Are you doing it with carrots and peppermints? Or is it more of a hands on kind of affection? Did you ever think about how they show their love back to you. Is it a nicker or do they come running to you when you get in their sight or call their name? Do they just say thanks for the carrots and go back to what they were doing, or do they hang around just to be with you? Did you ever think about it at all?

There was a book out years ago titled “The Five Love Languages”. Of course this book was directed at the Five Love Languages between people, but believe it or not, they aren’t much different with animals.

The book is as follows – my thoughts come with it.

Love Language #1: Words of Affirmation – Horses love being praised and told they have done well too. You know the old saying – “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.” You can catch more horses with carrots than you can with a whip.

Love Language #2: Quality Time – Some horses love to just spend time with you. Sure carrots are great, but sometime they just want to hang.

Love Language #3: Receiving Gifts – They don’t get excited if you bring a small box with a diamond ring, but bring a bag of carrots and you become the best person in the whole world.

Love Language #4: Acts of Service – Now let’s think about this… Do they care if you clean their stall or tack? Some appreciate a clean stall, most don’t mention it, but come down the isle with a bucket of grain, and let the party begin.

Love Language #5: Physical Touch – Most of the time, this is one of their favorites. Whether it be a kind touch, a good old belly rub, or scratching that special place, this one is always a winner.

I’m sure I’ve mention the Five Love Languages before, but sometimes it’s a good reminder. Some people just think of their horses as a means to an end. A vehicle or piece of equipment to get to that blue ribbon. Most horse people don’t. Are there changes you would make if you could? No better time than now. Or just think about the Love Language that speaks to you and compare it to what speaks to your horse.