The Howie Chronicles

How does your horse recognize you? Is their eyesight that good? Do they know your footsteps? Do they know your smell? Whichever one, or combination, it is, they do know who belongs to them. I go to the barn the other day, like normal, and walk out to the field to bring in Howie and his best friend Boo. They see me coming and, in unison, move forward lifting their heads together and using them to wave Sprout away from the gate. It was like watching dance choregraphy. Boo knows Howie goes in first so he uses his body like a football blocker, keeping the gate clear so I can get in and get Howie out. And some people think horses aren't smart. yea, right! Then, I come back for Boo, who is standing, ok, mostly patiently, at the gate, and when he sees me come for him, I could swear I see his tail wag like a dog in happiness. I call to him I am coming and when I get there he all but puts his halter on by himself. Sprout just looks at me as if to say, yup, you're not mine, I'm staying here, and makes no move to come toward me. How is it that they know?