With Dime peacefully eating his morning hay, Boo thought he had a better deal than she. She moved into his stall, pushed him away from his pile and began eating. Doug brought out another flake for Dime and left it in an empty corner of the stall, which, of course, piqued Boo's greedy interest, and she attempted to commandeer that as well. Dime kicked out at her, she squealed and bolted out of the stall altogether.

A short time later, Dime allowed her back, and they ate side by side, in companionable contentment.

Dime, the low man of the herd, previously picked on and rejected by Boo, displayed a strong protective instinct for his space, reestablished his sovereignty, and as a true gentleman, welcomed the company without grudge.

Manners. Strength. Respect. Decency. Forgiveness. Tolerance.Elements too often lacking in the greater scheme of things. Concepts no longer taught in a general sense as virtues necessary for responsible citizenship.

The horses get it. Why are we humans casting ourselves away from these basic tenents of civilization and survival?