Horses

imagination

Maybe it's just my imagination, but I really think horses behave differently towards me.

Your 'imagination' is the ability to create ideas or images in your head. Notice the following:

1. You can use your imagination and get an idea of what the experience was like.
   
2. My son has a very good imagination.
   

cold and aggressive

I find that female horses are more cold and aggressive towards me.

If a person or an animal is 'cold' they are not friendly or affectionate.  An 'aggressive' animal or person will attack quickly if bothered and can be violent.  Sometimes we consider competitive people to be aggressive. Notice the following:

1. He can really be cold about other people's problems.
   
2. His behavior is very aggressive and he gets in a lot of fights.
   

compete (for) attention

It may be because I kind of compete over the male coaches' affection.

If you are 'competing for attention' from someone there are other things that might be interesting or call for their attention, but you want their attention focused on you.  Notice the following:

1. Sometimes the students compete for attention in the classroom.
   
2. My brother and sister are always competing for my father's attention.
   

affectionate

My horse is more affectionate towards men.

An 'affectionate' animal or person shows a lot of love, usually through physical contact. Notice the following:

1. You should try to be more affectionate in your relationship.
   
2. My elderly neighbor is very affectionate with her grandchildren.
   

work out

You'll probably have to work out more with a male horse.

In this case 'work out' is like exercise or train with the horse.  Notice the following:

1. We started to work out together a few months ago, but I was comfortable riding her immediately.
2. Have you tried working out on this machine yet?