Since Amigo came off quarantine, we have built a strong friendship. He comes to me when I arrive and follows me everywhere, responding to my requests immediately with sweet, soft attention. He does his best to understand my requests, and I continue to learn his language. Our conversation is getting clearer and softer. Amigo is not the type of horse to "test" me or try to get away with more than a mouthful of hay. If he doesn't do as I ask, it is out of confusion, pain, or fear. As I have systematically introduced him to his new home, he has shown remarkable equanimity -- until we went inside the barn.
It was clear that Amigo is used to the outdoors, but it appeared he had never been in a barn before. He was so anxious he could not stand still. He couldn't let me clean his feet. Since we had succesfully done this outdoors before, I didn't understand his anxiousness in the barn. I continued to pressure him, at one point losing my temper. Eventually we were done, and he was so relieved as he followed me back to his pasture. Sweet Amigo stayed with me until I left, and walked along the fence with me until I was out of reach. Only later did I realize the pain and stress I had caused him.
I don't deserve the love and devotion Amigo gives me, and I love him so dearly. I am lucky and grateful that he is so forgiving.
