A horseman I respect told me something to the effect of ""most 'horse people' think they love horses, but they really just love riding horses. I would add there are many that also just love having horses. If you love your horses, don't measure their value by their utility. Horses are living symbols of freedom and strength. You don't need to deprive them of what they are in order to share in their freedom, and you don't need to exercise control over them to enjoy their strength. The age and health of a horse can rob it of its freedom and strength, and even though it can't share these things anymore, if you love horses you'll share its pain too, and still love that horse.
AA
