In an effort not to hijack Kellyintx thread, I wanted to comment about animals bonding. Nora made a great observation.
I have three Percheron draft horses. I use them in a three abreast hitch quite often. The biggest reason is that I hate to hear the pitiful whinnies from the horse left in the barn.
My horses are very much bonded to each other, but for me it goes beyond that. I think they are bonded to me as well. At the very least, there is a mutual respect, built upon trust, that works both ways. I respect and trust them and they in turn, give me the same courtesy.
Most of us here on the porch understand what I am talking about. It is one of the reasons that I work draft horses. I ask and they do. There is no yelling, stomping screaming fits from either side. It is pure harmony. The relationship that I have with my horses balances my life.
I'm not sure this is bonding, but I know it settles my very soul. My hope is that every person who works horses or other draft animals has the opportunity at least once in their lives to experience such a relationship. It makes everything I do on this farm...worth it