New Horse Owner (now with pics)

[JB]

Like any "herd" animal... there will be an adjustment period while they get used to their new "herd". Your family being that herd. Regardless of what other pets may be like, horses are vertically structured, socially. The only place for a smaller (physically) person is at the head of the herd. Do you will have to be the dominate herd animal with your kids right behind you. All placed higher in the horses' minds (which are tiny, so what they know, they know very well, even if it's not very much). That dominance will be challenged, at the beginning and again from time to time... don't let that put you off...

I've never cared for horses even though I lived on an equine vet's farm for a few years. One of the first things he told me was that you have to make sure the horse knows you're the boss. A 1,000 - 1,200 lb animal that things he's the boss will end up hurting you.