Expert: Lisa Kalp - 10/7/2009

Question
Amanda is one of the greatest loves of my life, she's rescued me.
Amanda is near her 20th yr, not really sure...
when i first aquired her she was very shy and standoffish...
I refuse to ride her as she has had a rough life...I believe i understand why she is the way she is, she deserves her freedom to be a horse and a part of our family....she was impregnated most of her life,in a stall and piped for her urine..when she was of no use to anyone anymore ..she was sent to auction and was for sale who would pay a good dollar..she could have very well gone to a slaughter house, which by the way alot of her stable mates had...
Anyway...My Amanda is a gentle soul and very patient with other animals, not so with humans, I understand this...I let her decide when I can touch her..I've had her for 3 yrs now and she has come around "alot", she will take food from my hand, she will let me hug her,she's a little obstnate about picking up her feet, but she will..she loves being near me, she will follow me around and even yell at me, when she wants her grain, or see's me comming across the yard..I won't ride her though, she is ridable, but...I just can't seem to to do that to her...am I being foolish about that?...I feel calm when I am around her, I love to just sit and watch her.
I rescue other animals as well, but she is my only horse...

Answer
Hi Sarah,
             Your Amanda has a great home with you. There is no rule that says you have to ride her. I have horses that There can be nothing more relaxing then having your horse around and just being with her, I say that if you are happy with your relationship with her, then that is all that is important.

Lisa