Animal friendships do not get much sweeter — or stranger — than the bond between a Golden Retriever and his horse best friend at an Illinois equestrian center.
Madison Cowen, an equestrian at Lamplight Equestrian Center, regularly gets a front-row seat to the close friendship between her Golden Retriever, Banks, and her horse, Cayjano.
The two animals clearly adore each other, even if Cayjano has a slightly unusual way of showing affection.
In a video shared on July 13, Banks repeatedly walked over to Cayjano’s stall looking for attention. Each time, the horse responded by gently mouthing and nibbling at the dog’s head.
Rather than moving away, Banks stood there calmly and kept coming back for more.
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The pair seemed completely comfortable with their quirky routine, leaving viewers amused by the Golden Retriever’s remarkably patient reaction.
“They’re eating the dogs,” one commenter joked.
Cayjano did not appear to be trying to hurt his friend. Instead, the horse seemed to be playfully pestering Banks in the way close friends often do.
What really surprised viewers was how unfazed the dog remained while his head was repeatedly covered in affectionate horse nibbles.
“Sure, you can bite me on my head over and over again. I’ll just stand here,” another person joked, imagining what might have been going through Banks’ mind.
Golden Retrievers are famous for their easygoing personalities, and Banks certainly appeared to live up to that reputation.
Another dog standing nearby seemed equally familiar with the routine.
“The Doodle in the back is just like, ‘Yep, it’s their thing,’” one viewer observed.
The other dog’s relaxed response suggested that Banks and Cayjano’s playful interactions may be a regular occurrence around the barn.
Dogs and horses can form remarkably strong relationships when they are introduced safely and have compatible temperaments. Some simply seem to connect immediately, and Banks and Cayjano appear to be one of those special pairs.
Their shared love of attention, play and companionship has helped create a friendship that crosses species — even when that friendship includes the occasional bite on the head.
Madison is lucky enough to watch the bond grow firsthand, while viewers are simply happy to see what these two unlikely best friends will do next.
What's Up Team