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HI Spy: If you could ask your horse one question, what would it be?

The language barrier between horses and humans can be cause problems in an otherwise harmonious relationship. You can sort things out most of the time, but occasionally, your horse presents a mysterious quirk. Wouldn’t life be easier if you had a horse-to-English translator?



If you had the opportunity to ask your horse a single question, what would it be? Would you want to know what’s so scary about those purple flowers by the barn door? Or why he insists on chewing up his blankets? Or what he was doing out in the pasture when he got that scrape on his left hock?



Perhaps you’d go for a more philosophical slant. What does he think of humans? Does he mind being ridden, or would he prefer to be left alone?

Or would you succumb to the temptation to seek affirmation from your horse? Does he really like you? Does he like you better than his previous owners? What could you do to make him like you better?

Tell us what you want to ask your horse by clicking “Submit a Comment” below. Choose carefully! You only get one question.

Some of the answers may appear in an upcoming issue of Horse Illustrated. One selected response may be selected by the editors to win a monthly prize! If you would like to be eligible for the prize, please include your email address in the comment form (email addresses are not publicly displayed.)

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Horse Illustrated

Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

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  • If I could ask my horse one question I would problably ask her "what was the happiest day of your life?" I hope she would say,"The first day I met you",because I know that was the the happiest day of my life.

  • There are so many questions I want to ask my horse, but the one that I desire to ask her more than any other is, "What can I do to better serve you?" I hope with all my heart that her response would be, "Nothing more than you do now."

  • I would probably ask my horses- is this what you want out of life? or are you happy with your life? My biggest thing is that my horses are happy and healthy and doing something that suits them. It's not fair to make a horse that so badly wants to run to be a pleasure horse, or to try to turn a dressage star into a racehorse. Ultimately happiness is the biggest thing!

  • I would ask my horse "Do you really enjoy me caring for you and riding you?" and I would hope she would respond with "I love when you come and see me and I am glad to have such an amazing rider guiding me but you can give me some more grain every once and a while." I love my horse and I hope she loves me back.

  • I would ask my welsh mare,Kadie, about her background. Where she was from, and how they treated her. I'd ask her if she's ok with me getting another horse to run barrels on. I'd tell her I love her a ton and that I'm very proud of her. (She places in trail shows all the time) :) I all ways wish I could find out what she's thinking!

  • I would ask her what she likes to do best! and tell her thats what will do for the rest of your life! Theres nothing i like more then pleasing my horse!

  • My daughter's horse Shiloh has some neurological problems that causes her back to be sore and drag her hind legs. I would love to ask her where it hurts so that we can pinpoint the area that needs help. I hate seeing her in pain and wish so badly that we could "fix it".

  • I'd really like to know what her previous owners were like and whether that is why she lacks trust in humans. Seems like no matter how far I get the slightest thing sets her back. I'd tell her that I'm not gonna give up on her though.

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