Thank you Romy and also to you Volker
Indeed the first thing that happened when I read your reply Volker was that my heartbeat speeded up - so you have in fact provoked an emotional response
. I see your point - not bad at all, and you could be right. It is also interesting that you choose exactly the question of having a child to state an example, because in so many ways I think having a child and having a horse is similar. To mention just a few: They mirror us unmistakenly, it is an immense responsibility, the potential of making mistakes is enormous and they can have severe consequences, but the fruits of that tree are so very appealing (I dont have any children of my own yet, but my partner has - also with that I have become careful
- they are wonderful children but watching a bit from outside I see so many things that could be different).
But at least with the horses the consequences of our mistakes are mostly less grave. I think we may in some ways compensate for our deficits in making the horse happy, by providing a natural life style for them where they have other horses to be with and of course by being clear but kind. But honestly - for me it would be important to feel sure I could make my horse really, really happy. For example my lovely labrador retriever - he loves when we spent time together, he enjoys when we walk, play, pet - whatever - he is happy when he can just be with me. I know it is a lot to ask for, but that is what I would like to have with my horse! With my last horse it was at least rudimentarily the case - he did like my company, and he did like to go out together with me, but it was not complete and that bothered me because it could have been. But anyway - it is not that I am suffering about it - it is just a decision that I still would like to get a bit further before I go into that again - and to have more time (and money) as well and the last two points tend to grow at diverging times
- and I have my dog who is at least not mirroring me that strongly like a horse would do, and that is at the moment I think exactly right - in fact he is influencing me positively with his joyful and smiling mind
Nevertheless - I thak you
for taking the time to give your input - it is in any case worth considering if I am perhaps too determined and stubborn in my approach!