I have dreamed of having a horse all my life. Fortunately, my dream came true a few months ago when my husband bought me one for my birthday. However, the horse seemed sad, and I didn’t know why, so I called our vet.
He told me that my horse was probably lonely, and I should look into getting him a companion. I was tempted to have him come out and look again but decided I would do some research first.
What’s a Good Companion for a Horse? Horses are like people; they need some form of companionship to be happy and prosper. So, if you find your horse is becoming withdrawn, it might be best to get it a companion. Many animals would make a good companion for a horse. A few of these include another horse, a donkey, a goat, or dogs.
Good Companions for a Horse
Horses thrive better when they have a companion to rely on. A few good companions for a horse include the following:
- Another Horse
- A Donkey
- A Dog
- A Goat
- A Sheep
Some horse owners even get a cat to be a companion for their horse. No matter what animal you get to be your horse’s companion, remember to pay close attention when you introduce the animals to each other. This helps ensure the safety of your horse and their new friend. Now, let’s look a little closer at the animals that make great companions for a horse.
Another Horse
Probably the best companion for your horse is another horse. They know what your horse is thinking, have the same mentality, and will make your horse feel safer. However, remember if you decide to get another horse, it means twice the amount of work and responsibility.
A Mini Horse
A mini horse will be able to graze alongside your horse so both animals can be kept in the same pasture. Plus, a mini horse will be happy to reside in a small enclosure next to your horse, so it won’t be taking up a whole lot of space.
A Donkey
Donkeys usually have no problem connecting and bonding with a horse which makes them a great companion for your horse. However, many animal lovers recommend a person get two donkeys’ because these animals seem to be much happier when they have another donkey friend. Erin Goodrich, DVM, says that
“I’m a huge fan of donkeys! They make great companions for horses and are wonderful creatures for humans to spend time with.”
Source: Practical Horseman
A Dog
As most people know, dogs are a man’s best friend, right? Well, they can also be a horse’s best friend, too. They enjoy playing, running, and are loyal. Also, most dogs will do whatever it takes to protect their territory, which means your barns, stable, pasture, and even home will be a safer place for your animals.
A Cat
Cats are low maintenance, so you won’t have to spend hours grooming them. Plus, cats are inexpensive, which means it won’t cost you a lot to get one. They also can help keep mice from invading your horse’s stall and barn.
A Goat
It doesn’t take much money to get a goat. Matter of fact, they are probably the cheapest livestock you can get to be a companion for your horse. Plus, goats are known to have the same body language as horses. However, you should take time to gently introduce a goat to your horse because it might take them both a little time to get used to each other.
A Sheep
Sheep also make good companions for horses; they love to graze so expect them to eat some of the unwanted weeds you have growing in the pasture. Just remember to gradually introduce these two beautiful animals to each other to make sure your horse doesn’t kick at the sheep
Just like humans, horses can become lonely and depressed. So, if you own a horse who seems to be sad, the solution could be as simple as getting it a companion.
Can Mare and Geldings Co-Exist Together?
It is possible for Mares and Geldings to co-exist together. Although geldings are castrated male horses, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on your horses if your mare is in heat. Sometimes, geldings will react weirdly around a mare who is in heat. If this happens, you might have to move one of them.
Also, you might notice some personality behavior problems from your mare and gelding when they live together. So, just be prepared to separate them if you need to.
Is it Okay for a Horse to Live Alone?
Normally, horses live in herds, which is why they feel safer around other animals. However, a horse can live alone as long as it still has some interaction and companionship. Here are a few tips if you have a horse living alone.
- Get your horse a companion. – Good companions for horses include another horse, a mini horse, a donkey, a goat, a dog, a sheep, a goat, or even a cat.
- Human companion – Make time to spend with your horse so it doesn’t get lonely.
- Horse toys – You can find many stall toys that will help you entertain your horse. Also, there are also toys for horse pastures that can stimulate your horse. For example, you can find this cute snack holder here. It’s not stationary, so the horse has to work for the snack. Entertainment and a snack—what could be better?
- Encourage Movement – Generally, horses who are in a pasture move around, run about and play. However, when a single horse is in a pasture, they sometimes become sedentary, so it is important to encourage movement. You can do this by scattering their food around the pasture, so they must move around in different areas to eat. Horses love playing with balls, such as this 40-inch that you can check out here.
- Play Soft Music – You can play soft music in your barn to help break up the silence in your horse’s stall. Many horses find soft music soothing and comforting, so if you plan to play music for your stall, find something that is calming and relaxing.
- Groom Your Horse Regularly – Generally, horses who are in a herd groom each other so a lone horse will miss out on this ritual. Therefore, it is important for you to groom your horse regularly. Remember to take your time currying your horse because it will help your horse feel as though they are being groomed by another horse.
Conclusion
If you find your horse has begun to feel uneasy, it might be a good time to find him a companion such as a dog, cat, goat, sheep, a donkey, or a mini horse. Some people even get a chicken, duck, or other small creature to be their horses’ companion.
When you first introduce your horse to another animal, you will need to be patient and watch them closely until they feel comfortable around each other.
Horses are beautiful creatures; they can be your best friend. In addition, a horse can help you feel more confident, happier, and joyful. However, a horse is also a big responsibility, but well worth it in the eyes of horse lovers, like me.
Most horse owners would probably say their life is much better since they get a horse. So, if you are planning on getting one prepare yourself to be experience love, happiness, and joy. But, remember horses need companionship from a human, another creature, or some other method.