sol·ip·sism the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist.
You could think of your horses as a solipsist because it is unlikely that he has any concept of the 'existence' of anything else and sees the world entirely through his own eyes and his own experience. Therefore when you take negative emotions to your horse he is naturally going to think that it is about him. So, if the next door neighbour bounces up the track with his trailer rattling crazily behind him and you scream at the driver in temper then it is likely that your horse will take it personally and, either think that you are shouting at him, or that both of you need to leave because there is some impending disaster. In those circumstances it would be much better to go and scream at the neighbour afterwards! (Or even to have a quiet word...)
Sycophancy is flattery that is very obedient, or an indication of deference to another, to an excessive or servile degree.
One of the hardest jobs I have is delivering bad news, sometimes just an inconvenient truth, such as your saddle does not fit or your trailer is not suitable or safe. It would be much easier to go with the flow and not say a word. In the end I am ultimately on the side of the horse and if I wouldn't ride my horse in that saddle or load him into that box then I will say so. I'd much rather say something than end up with a horse that is wrecked in some way. Fortunately most people accept my advice.
