Do horses pine?

Question

We have a 28 year old mare (have owned since 4 years old) Last year we sadly lost her companion of 24 years (at the grand old age of 32) We have not got another horse so she is now alone. I'm abit concerned as she is a little ribby - despite having grass, hay and feed (bran, barley, sugar beet and grass nuts) every day. Her teeth were checked last year and are fine. I'm worried about the prospect of finding her a new home due to her age, but I'm also concerned about her weight loss/lack of company. Any suggestions gratefully received? thanks

Answer 1

It is true that horses can miss their long term companions.  Also at her age it will be difficult to put on or maintain condition.  Teeth could well be a problem.  Annual checkups are simply not good enough.  Just because they were okay last year, does not mean they are this year.

Why not get her a small companion, a retired pony who will not cost too much to feed, or another horse you could use but will still be a companion.

What is her coat like?  Is it long and curly?  Does she drink and pee alot?  If so, this is definitely a case for the vet.  I think a vets advice might be a good idea anyway just as a precaution.  Maybe he can throw some light on what might be going on.

I wish you luck.

Answer 2

Horses can get depressed if they lose a friend. Youcould get a companion horse, pony, goat, sheep... etc. She might start eating again if she has company. You could also ask your vet for any advice on how to make her more comfortable.

Answer 3

yes, horses do recognize each other, remember each other, and their past owners. They do mourn the loss of their companions, I have had it happen. I would get the horse a pony or goat, or sheep as a friend. It will thank you for it, and your horse will gain weight and be happier.

Answer 4

Sure they do.

Story # 1 My sister bought a mare from a breeding stable whose stallions she used to use quite frequently before the market tanked.

A few YEARS later, she took the mare back for breeding.  As they went down the aisle, a horse got very excited and started whinneying.  So did sis' horse.  The barn manager said, "Well, I'll be darned.  That was her old buddy when she was here the last time."

# 2 I borrowed a mini donk from a friend when I bottle raised the PP foal.  While Willy the donk was at my house, I got Indy, the one-eyed TWH.  Willy went back home a few months later.  When I placed Indy with the same friend due to my health problems and her need of a horse, she said she nearly cried when Indy came off the trailer at his new home, and immediately recognized Willy and started "talking" to him.

They DO remember, and it only goes to reason they will have a mourning process.

Answer 5

Sorry to hear of your loss. Horses do pine, very very much! Horses attach great importance to their 'pair bond' - a single individual to which they lean to for comfort. Although horses are herd animals they will have one particular member who they do everything with, and in our 'artificial' environment this becomes even more apparent.

It is important that you rule out physical problems first; your vet needs to see her to rule out medical problems such as liver disease. All being well I would advise you to find her a new partner, preferably someone of a similarish age.

For any sad future occurrences, it is very important for a horse/donkey to see their deceased pair bond as it helps them to let go. I will never put a horse down in front of another - they then think that I and the owner are murderers! But allowing the other(s) to see the body will let them think they died of natural causes and so come to terms with the death.

Answer 6

Horses are very social creatures and being with others is almost a necessity for them. Being alone will make them very depressed.

My suggestion is to find her a new buddy for some company. You can get another animal for her - horse, pony, donkey, goat, sheep, whatever. Maybe someone you know has a retired horse that would like a spot in your pasture. You could probably get a down-on-his-luck horse or pony by the pound for cheap at an auction. You might even be able to find one for free from someone.

Or you could try an find a friend with a pasture that would not mind taking on a retiree, although that would be my second choice simply because I would find it very hard to be separated from my horse, especially in the twilight years, mostly becasue I wouldn't trust someone else to provide as good care.

One last thing, I would suggest getting her teeth checked every six months instead of annually as older horse's teeth sometimes need more maintenance.

Answer 7

Horses will pine for lost friends, though some people (including myself) believe that animals know when it is their friend's time to go and this makes the passing easier. Horses form pair bonds and this will almost certainly be the case with your mare and her friend. Not only is she pining for her friend, but nnow she is alone she has no company at all. Horses are herd animals and do not do well alone. You are already feeding sugar beet which is what I would recommend for an old horse to put weight on. A feed called Slobbermash may also be suitable. (see link). The ideal situation here is to get another horse, however, your mare will not go on forever and when she passes you will be left with another lonely horse. I would look in advertisering papers, on the web, and put adverts in tack shops etc. advertising for a companion horse. It is likely that someone near you will have a lonely oldie stood in a field and would love for them to have a friend. Also, if you are in the UK, you can contact places such as Redwings Horse Sanctuary, the Blue Cross, RSPCa and the Donkey Sanctuary etc. to see if they have any old ponies suitable for a companion. That way, when your mare passes you can give the horse back and he/she does not need to be lonely. If getting another horse is not an option, I would recommend a few sheep or similar, just so your mare has some company. Sheep are fairly cheap to keep. In the meantime you may even be able to find a friendly farmer who would perhaps loan you two or three of his old sheep to keep your mare company. As an utmost last resort if you must part with your mare, one of the above sanctuaries should give her a nice home. Good luck =]

http://www.horsefeed-asia.com/page3.html

Answer 8

Yes horse pine for one another and mourn just as people do.  

We had a 26 year old quarter horse.  Over the winter, she passed away.  Her field buddy was a mule.  After she passed away, he walked around the barn for 20+ minutes, as if he was still looking for her.  

A few short months later he died of a heart attack (or a broken heart).  He loved her very much and was always at her side.  He would always holler for her when we took her out of the field, even if there was another horse out there with him.  

Your other horse needs a friend for company, even if it's a goat or a donkey.  Horses bond with one another and most don't like to be alone.

Answer 9

Horses are herd animals and will crave company, they form close bonds with stable mates and others in their social group. Maybe a new younger stable mate would bring out her softer side.

Answer 10

horses form bonds, and keep them for the rest of their life, so basically they are life partners.

even after years of not seeing their companions, they will recognise them.