I don't know about you, but I am one of those people who just revel in wonderful smells. While breathing in subtle, or not so subtle scents, I am acutely aware of how powerful they can be. I relish the memories they conjure up in my heart and head as well as marvel at how my nose is a direct highway to my brain! Emotions can spring up suddenly while ideas and past scenarios about various life experiences float around in my brain. It all happens so quickly, just by the simple action of inhaling a sniff or two.
And what about the not-so-pleasant smells? In the horse world, there are smells, and then there are smells. Everyone knows about the not-so-pleasants; mucking the barn, just missing the "close calls" from the rear end of a horse. We've all been there, we all know the inherent olfactory dangers of being in the presence of an equine creature. Butt, (yes the abc checking tool is working :)___one of the best things about horses is indeed, their smell.
Each person on our planet has a unique smell. Dogs know it, cats know it , all animals detect it, and even dolphins are aware of our odoriferous qualities. Each horse has a unique smell too. One may think all horses smell alike, but they don't. Some horses smell sweeter, my mare sometimes smells like a bit of rose, some have a more earthy, oakey smell. (Sounds like I'm talking about wine for Heaven's sake!). And if you don't believe me, I challenge you to try this:
The next time you are in the presence of a horse, and you are comfortable and safe, see if the horse will allow you to put your nose in the spot where the jaw meets the neck. Close your eyes, take a gentle yet deep breath and note the smell. Then move to another horse and do the same thing. Pay attention to the feel of your body while you take in the scent, then notice if your body feels or detects the differences as you move to another horse.
I'm not sayin' we need to bottle this stuff or anything like that. It just seems cool and real to me that each horse, even though they all "smell alike" actually has a touch of a different scent. Another indication that horses each have their own personalities, preferences, and perfumes.
