Anyone who has been around horses for an extended period of time knows that horses are more than emotionless creatures filled with the natural instincts to eat, sleep, and stay safe. They know that horses create emotional connections, that they have pasture buddies, and patiently listen to the two-legged critter that scurries around them, hoping on and off their backs, and most importantly gives food.
These folks, commonly called "crazy horse people", know all too well that warm fuzzy feeling they get in their chest when they see their horse or that horse that they ride or the horse they just visit to love on. Sure people can create other meaningful relationships with other human beings, but lets face it, if you're anything like me you'd much rather spend the day hugging your horse than with anyone else. So if you are like me or at least close enough, here is a list explaining why your horse is for sure your best friend.
1. They're patient and forgiving.
This may not always be true when food is involved but I have never met a horse that hasn't been patient and forgiving in ways that humans struggle to reach. They seem to understand that we make mistakes, it happens, but as long as you don't hold on to those mistakes, your horses doesn't either.
2. You can train them.
I have never seen anyone using a cookie to teach their human friend to bow, or stomp their foot on the ground a certain amount of times, although it would be rather humorous to witness. But your horse on the other hand, they look forward to you giving them a job and it creates the most awesome bonding process ever. They feel a sense of accomplishment when they master that trick you've been working on or learning to not run through the poles for a jump but rather to go over them. Which only serves to strengthen your friendship.
3. They're almost always happy to see you.
I don't know about you but I have never heard a horse say "oh it's you again, I thought maybe you weren't coming back". Instead when your spotted making your way towards the field or their stall you encounter something much different. Some horses jerk their head up and lock on you, excitement clear on their face. Some even run around they are so filled with excitement and since you obviously need exercise they may make you run with them. Sometimes they are so thrilled they just can't contain themselves long enough for you to get a halter on them. Some of the lazier ones might stand their patiently until you reach them, to which they might graciously walk a whole two steps to you. But the best part about the greeting is that occasion when you get a heartwarming nicker because they are always happy to see their human who's pockets should always be filled with food.
4. They don't quarrel with you or talk behind your back.
This can be arguable, as someone who is in constant conversation with my horse, but since they are incapable of human speech this is technically correct. Some of us may interpret snorts, sighs, ear twitches and tail swishes as some form of back talk. But at the end of the day they won't tell the next person about how you wore that outfit yesterday or yell at you because you forgot to run to the store to get their favorite cookies that ran out last week.
5. They listen to you, no judgement.
Speaking of not being able to speak the human language, that sure comes in handy for pouring out your soul. You can spill your deepest darkest secrets with confidence that your horse will keep those lips sealed, your every venting session is safe with them. Sometimes all you need is a good talk with your horses, if that means grooming them while you tell them about that pushy boss you have. Or just standing by them in their stall while they munch their hay and you tell them all about that cute person you just can't work up the courage to talk to.
6. They'll never stab you in the back or break your heart.
You can be assured that your horse holds your heart and they'll never do anything to intentionally hurt you. That alone makes them worthy of the best friend label if you ask me and that's why my horse is my best friend. Day or night I know that if I need a hug it's my horse that I want to see first. Your horse will always be there for you, they won't push you into anything, all they'll say is "Hey, come spend time with me. Forget your problems for a little while, let's have some fun and don't worry, everything will fall into place" and that's why your horse is your best friend.