Well, I understand. You and Tuffy had a special bond. Part of you is gone now and you can't just replace that overnight. Give yourself some time. It'll come back. But spend as much time as you can getting to know Mina. That'll help fill the hole faster, even if you feel like you're just going through the motions right now.
Thanks, ya’ll. I really, really appreciate the support.
I like Mina, she’s sweet and funny but I don’t get the same feeling from her that I got with Tuffy. In my experience, mares aren’t as loving and affectionate as geldings.
I must admit, I do go through the horse ads on www.agdirect.com and in the advanced search section I always put in “at least 2 years old, 15.3 or taller, APHA paint, gelding.” One of these days something is gonna come up that is Tuffy the Second without the health issues. I can wait years to find him.