For the past week I have been sick and over the past two days gotten worse. Well when I would go out to feed. My boy Charm (a OTTB, 9 years old) would stay next to me while I feed. There are 2 donkeys and a welsh in the same field. Well my jack (male donkey) can at times be a very pushy during feed time. But Charm has been keeping him at least 20 feet away from me. Hes normal the first one to start eating. But he would walk back with me to the gate. And once I get out of the field he would go eat... Today (11/5) I thought I was strong enough to go for a ride. We got about a half mile from home and I got VERY sick fast. Started vomiting could barely stay in the saddle. Could not see straight. Was Very week. I sunk into the saddle, dropped my rains and told Charm to take me home. And he did, got me home safe and sound. The reason I am posting this is to show the love and understanding a horse can have for their owner. The can seance when something is wrong and protect us when needed without asking. I love my boy so much. He is my best friend.....
Rewards
Subscribe to Equus Online University and become a part of Monty's worldwide mission to leave the world a better place for horses and for people too.
Students automatically gain access to special rewards, such as exclusive discounts at the Monty Roberts Online Shop. Visit Monty Roberts Online Shop.
Hi. I'm sorry you have been unwell & hope you are now on the road to recovery. Many stories have been told of horses bringing people home when they became disoriented- in the dark or fog. My Apollo Le Sheik continued whilst I slept in the saddle at the end of a long day. Only remarkable on 2 counts, 1 it was beside a dual carriageway ( 2 lanes of traffic in each direction ) & 2, he took the right turn off to return to a place he had lived at for only a couple of weeks. Many years before my 1st pony, Bonny, had done something similar. Horses are remarkable creatures aren't they!
Absolutely, they really do look after us, we are part of their herd / family. It's so touching when they do this for us isn't it!!!
I was up on the field shelter roof last week repairing the leaky roof felt & my mare spotted me from the bottom of the field & came up at a flat out gallop screaming her head off, pranced round the shelter calling to me, she was so worried about me being up there, the other mare followed her up & they both stayed with me for the hour i was up there.
My old pony Rocky, looked after me for many many years - i too fell asleep on him one morning after working nights!
If ever i got lost, Rock would always take me home even if we'd never been there before, once he took us through a wood we'd never ridding through to find the right track to get us home.
Hi. I would like to point out that neither Beryl or I are advocating falling asleep in the saddle. This should be avoided as it puts the onus on the horse & we are supposed to be the responsible ones. However, if you have a great relationship with your horse it's very comforting to know that, even when you get it wrong ( or fall asleep ) or whatever, they will go above & beyond the call of duty to keep you safe. Cheers, Jo.
I have at times rode my horse and ended up being quite aways from home. Got dark on us and he toke me home very slow. I love my boy. I also do not advocate falling asleep in the saddle. When we are at horse shows. I will have my mom hold him while I go check in. He will get very pushy, ansey, wont stand still, full out miss behaving. He knows he is not suppose to do that. When I am walking back he will snicker at me and then stand still.
The bond between a human and their equine partner is not only with horses but donkeys as well. My jenny (female) is a loyal riding donkey as well. I have fallen off her a few times (learning to ride bare back) and she would stand there look at me and pretty much say "well that's not how you dismount." One time she did spook at a rabbit. I fell off and she just stood there. You can tell she wanted to run but she didn't.
love that reply Jo, ha ha ha