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12/01/2004: "What Is This Thing Called Love? – Originally Posted June 4 2004"

It’s fly season again. Indy and Ami are wearing their armor – fly masks and sheets – all day, and I’m spraying them in the evening. Still, they get bitten, stung and otherwise attacked by the nasty little flying critters.

Thank goodness Indy’s general “itchiness” is much improved over last year. I don’t know if it’s the flaxseed or what, but something has made a big difference. He’s still very sensitive to bites, and I try to give him good scratches – especially in the places he can’t possibly reach himself.

A few days ago, he was having fits with some bites up behind his ears, and I was scratching them for him. I was standing facing the front of his left shoulder, trying to find the exact spot under all that mane and forelock, when Indy’s head dropped onto my shoulder, and I was suddenly locked into a gentle but firm Horsy Hug. I was so moved I threw my arms around his neck and burst into tears. I hope I was able to convey to him that he was more than welcome for the scratch.

This took me so by surprise because it’s not Indy’s usual way so showing affection. He usually softly pushes his muzzle under my arm and rests his forehead in the crook of my shoulder. I then wrap my arms around his head, and we just love each other. He seems to enjoy this as much as I do, and he initiates this behavior frequently. Precious, precious moments.

In my extensive reading about horses over the years, I’ve read many times that horses don’t demonstrate affection toward humans like dogs do. While it’s certainly true that they don’t do it in the same MANNER as dogs, I will dispute until my final breath the idea that they don’t do it at all. Perhaps the individuals who expressed that opinion hadn’t done anything that inspired affection from their horses.

All I really know is this – people who own horses but never experience the love these remarkable Beings are capable of giving are indeed bereft. For Horsy Love is truly one of the greatest joys life has to offer.