Do Horses Choose Their Owners?

While it might seem like horses could choose their owners the way dogs or cats might, the truth is more complex. Let's delve into the question of whether horses pick their owners, examining the behavior and social dynamics at play.

Do Horses Choose Their Owners?

The simple answer to whether horses choose their owners is a tentative yes, but it's more about trust and mutual benefit than a conscious decision. While horses in captivity are often chosen by people based on breed, color, and intended use, there are instances where a horse might develop a unique relationship with its owner over time.

Behavior and Bonding

Let's consider a scenario: You're at a horse sale looking to purchase your next riding companion. The horse in question might not actively choose you over another buyer, but it can certainly bond with you on a deeper level. If the horse shows interest and respect towards you, it might indicate a strong connection, akin to the instinctive choosing behavior seen in dogs and cats. This connection doesn't mean the horse is picking you as its owner, but it does suggest that the horse has developed a trust and a desire to be cooperative with you.

A Personal Story

Let me share a personal anecdote. I once had a horse on trial for training purposes. Things were going well, but I needed to make a decision: buy the horse or continue searching for another one. While standing in the stall with him, I noticed he had an itch on his hip. Without hesitation, I started scratching it for him, and he found the spot that made him comfortable. But what happened next was truly remarkable. As I scratched, he moved to scratch my hip back. This act of mutual grooming, a behavior typically seen within a herd, sealed my decision to purchase him. We ended up spending 25 wonderful years together, and I miss him deeply.

Why Horses Can't Choose Owners

It's important to note that from a biological standpoint, horses do not choose their owners for the same reasons that dogs and cats might. While dogs and cats live in close proximity to their human companions, horses spend most of their time in pastures or stables. This living environment doesn't provide the same level of contact and choice that a household pet might experience. Furthermore, horses do not have a concept of ownership or the ability to consciously select their owners. However, they can form strong bonds with specific individuals, which can feel like a form of choosing.

The Definition of Ownership

Legally speaking, when we own a horse, it's more about the rights and responsibilities that come with it rather than a relationship of mutual choice. True, we own the horse in the sense that we have the legal rights to care for it, but this ownership is an imagination of lawyers. Horses choose to trust and cooperate with those they feel safe and comfortable around, rather than being picked by humans.

Conclusion

In summary, while horses do not choose their owners in the way that some pets might, they can form strong, bond-like relationships with their human companions. These relationships are rooted in trust, mutual respect, and cooperation. So, while the idea that horses can choose their owners is appealing, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Horses can form deep emotional connections, but these connections are more about bonding and trust than making a conscious choice.