Some people are amazed at how horses can be as intelligent as dogs. They can't believe the things they do. I don't understand their surprise. I suppose most see a horse and think of the obedient animal under saddle or hitched to a wagon or a cart and that's as far as it goes. Well, I'd like to see an average dog, under a saddle or hitched to a cart, with a bit in it's mouth. How do you think it would react? These are just some of the things that horses tolerate, but they are so much more than service animals. They live in family groups in the wild for most of their lives forging strong bonds with family members and raising families of their own. While domestic horses bond with stallmates or pasture mates and with owners and other family pets. They get to know your voice and your scent, and once they associate that with something good, they are your friends for life. It's sad that most of the time, horses are only kept by their owners as long as they serve a purpose, be it a broodmare, or a show horse. Once they can't do those things, they are sold off for a "newer model". It's almost like people getting a new car, the old one doesn't perform like it once did, or there are too many scratches and dings in it. I can't imagine what it must be like to be juggled around from home to home, a variety of owners and living conditions for the entirety of my life, not being able to live in any one place for too long. How it must affect them. I wonder if people think of that when they are thinking of re-homing their horse because he doesn't perform like he once did. What is so wrong with letting him stay and giving him a forever home? Wouldn't that be like saying to him, "It's ok, it's time for you to rest now, you've served us well." Horses do have a psyche, they do retain unpleasant things, but most times they adjust very well. They are intelligent, they like to play and learn new things, but most of all, they will be your forever friend if given the chance.