katlaughing, that was beautiful. I haven't done a search for it but there was a column on NPR recently about a couple who had a mare as a housepet - she lived in their house, they had had to strengthen all the floors and take all the stairs out for ramps, but they all loved it, and the horse throve, and the couple did too (except the man minded the horse watering herself while he was in the tub, which apparently she liked to do). She had a stable and a pasture and all, she just liked being in the house. If I can find it I'll send it to you, but in the meanwhile it's a lovely story that I think you and your family would enjoy.