It is so interesting to me how we become "trained" by the systems and objects we interact with on a daily basis. I have light switches in my house that move up and down and other switches that move side to side. And they are randomly set in the rooms - I can't figure any method or reasoning as to how they were chosen for each room. When I go to flip a switch to turn on the light, I have a 50/50 chance of getting it right which way to try...I am quite often wrong. It's weird. I think I consistently try the direction of the last switch I used, but there is no system to how they are placed...so there is no way to be sure. For some reason, I cannot memorize which room has what - except for the bathroom. Perhaps I use that switch the most, who knows? The point I haven't come to speedily is: we are creatures of habit just like our horses and dogs are. Routines and predictability soothe us, help us feel in control of our lives and environments. When our animals cannot find consistency or when their surroundings or routines are constantly changing, it has a profound effect on their emotional and mental bodies. If "change" becomes their habit (like traveling for show horses) they do adjust - the trailer and the showgrounds become routines. Everyone needs something they can count on - or someone, you can be that for your animals!
