I've always been a computer/theatre nerd. When I was a teen my parents bought me a bike. I did not express nor have any interest in a bike, but I'm sure my mom felt I needed to go outside more and spend less time on the computer. A week or two later while upset at me about something else she complained that I haven't even used my new bike yet.
I didn't like a gift that demonstrated zero understanding of who I was or what I would have wanted.
There was no attempt to talk to me about going outside more or getting more exercise, I have always been pretty skinny and reasonably healthy, and at no point did I indicate that I didn't go outside or wasn't active.
But I'm sure you understand my parents and their motivations better than I do.
Lenny moment.
They got me something I had no interest in and were upset I wasn't using it. Ever hear the phrase "it's the thought that counts"? It demonstrated zero thought into what I would actually be interested in.
It's like buying a teen a set of knitting needles and being surprised that they didn't start knitting with them.
Well it might have been a thought about what would be good for you (to their belief), but to be upset that it didn't just make you want to use seems a but naïve.
I know nothing about horses. I won't look this gift horse in the mouth because I don't know know what I'm looking at, but I'm also not going to be thrilled with the horse you've gifted me that I have no idea what to do with.
My point is if someone did show up at your house gifting you a horse for Christmas it would be appropriate for you to respond with "what am I supposed to do with this?" And someone telling you "it's a nice gift, be thankful for it" would be an unreasonable response.
It's an example that not every gift is thoughtful just because it's a gift.