The Love of Hopeless Causes

[glenatron]

There comes a point where you get tired of people telling you that your horse is useless and will never amount to anything and should be sent back to his owner. I know all of that and it doesn't change my determination to do the best I can for the little guy. He's just starting to come good now and I have absolutely no intention of sending him anywhere.

It still gets me down, though, especially when the it comes from experienced people whose judgement I generally respect.

The thing about Othello is that if you start trying to make him do something he will resist with all his might, he will brace and lean into all the pressure you can put on him. It wasn't until I mentioned this in a conversation with my parents the other day that they pointed out that I am just the same. It made me an aggravating teenager, apparently. It probably also makes me aggravating to people who think I should give up on pony.

Comments

[kittyfantastico.livejournal.com]

I think Othello is a noble, if stubborn, creature, and deserves a fair chance to be happy. He seems pretty happy with you.

Though, he sometimes doesn't seem happy with people in general - *remembers Lou's back*

[bunting.livejournal.com]

I'm sure Othello will grow out of his teenager zone and become a responsible adult (and possibly get on stage with radiohead) like you have. Though, a stubborn personality can be endering.

For someone who has close to zero contact with horses, reading about Othello's escapades is a complete joy.

[glenatron.livejournal.com]

The funny thing is that often if I ask him as softly as I can, with so little pressure it's almost imperceptible, he doesn't brace- he just does what I ask him to. There is a sensitive soul inside the scruffy hairy body.

[life-of-tom.livejournal.com]

bloody teenagers. tell them to get a haircut and buck up their ideas...
To be honest, I'd guess that whilst his temperament makes stuff more difficult, that would make any success you do have with him that more rewarding. I'd guess that eventually, if he starts picking up on your positive vibes when he does stuff, that'll start to feed back. Of course, I know nothing about horses that apart from things that you or lou have told me, the idea that some kind of breakthrough point like that would happen at some point seems to make sense to me.

[glenatron.livejournal.com]

I think we're pretty much at that point now - he is really starting to offer what I ask him for without being too resistant. It's made him a happier and more calm horse even over the last few weeks.

[(Anonymous)]

I know how you feel. Sam is not anything I ever wanted in a horse. In fact, I was meant to buy, train, and sell him ... quick summer project. But the market was bad and he stayed around. Then he went blind and I felt I could no possibly send him away, despite the now flood of people who would like to buy him. He is mine forever now, and I have adjusted to his needs. I would like another horse that allows me to do what I want, but God has given me this pony to look after and love, so I must do His will and I am happy to do so.

Isn't is funny how we pick out the ones that resemble our own strengths and faults? They reflect us somehow and under the right circumstances we both come out the better for it. I do so hope you find all the right answers to making Othello happy and healthy and that you two find a way to meet both your needs.

Dumbass ... gotta log in!

[spirithorse21.livejournal.com]

Sorry, that was me. *facepalm*

[(Anonymous)]

you do realise you've just condemmed me to another Othello-related accident, don't you?

Lou