The touch was gratifying for him, as well; Theodore had lived a life without much in the way of physical contact -- it wasn't encouraged by his family, and he was far too conservative to initiate that sort of thing with most people. But in a situation like this, where it wasn't provocative or suggestive, and indeed more helpful than anything, it served to take the edge off of his loneliness. He could think of many things that the ministry had done to earn his scorn, but it was most guilty, he thought, of pushing people within its own society further and further apart, rather than bring them together. Maybe it was different for the muggleborns and halfbloods it catered to, but for purebloods and those it had made criminals for one petty offence or another, life was becoming increasingly lonely. No one seemed to trust any more. No one seemed willing to celebrate and share their culture. He'd lived a life of independence and solitude, but it had been by choice, in order to utilise and enjoy his freedom -- now there was no choice, and the life he might have chosen became one of necessity.
This was a small reprieve, but he appreciated it.
He allowed her close to the legs, but not too close, and always at an angle that was safe for her, with him taking a stance closer to the front of the animal, between her and its mouth. Normally, he wouldn't have allowed her to touch it at all without the harness keeping it bound and its movements limited, but these were peaceful, very domestic creatures, and the precautions weren't as necessary -- still, he'd be more comfortable when it was tied to the fence.
Gathering up the equipment, he showed her where the horse's face fit into it, how it bound in the back. "This rope will keep her movements somewhat restricted so that we can interact safely with her. Horses can be easily spooked, and I'd prefer her not to bolt."
With Astoria watching, he soothed the animal, rubbing her along the shoulder and neck, and then carefully fitted the muzzle of the harness, slinging the catch around her neck. It was easily bound, and with the rope in hand, he led it, and Astoria, closer to the fence, where he could tie her steady.