Growing old disgracefully?

[ros]

Merly has always had his own ideas, but in the 11 years I've had him now we've managed to rub along pretty well together  . I've always regarded it as a partnership, but whereas in the beginning the balance was probably 60/40 in my favour  , nowadays it's probably much closer to 51/49  

I think horses who are allowed to express themselves, develop their characters, and make their (fair) share of the decisions are more likely to express differences of opinion now and again, and I  like that. I certainly wouldn't want a horse that is downtrodden and resigned  . At the same time I know I can't let it go too far, and I have to retain the casting vote  

Does anyone else find that as their horses get older they become more... shall we say assertive?  

[ChrissieW]

  Minnie and I have agreed to grow old disgracefully together 

[Mossy]

Moss has definitely got more canny. He assesses people more obviously now. Con and I have mellowed into each other. She will still spin and spook, more assertive, but less silly.