Will I beable to keep one horse without him/her being lonely?

Question

Can I keep just one horse. I know they are herd animals and like equine company but we can not afford 2 horses. I have a "friend" moveing in down the road with horse Tornado and another friends horse Casper (so Tornado won't be lonely). So I geuss we could meet once a week at least to let our horses socialize. But I am still worried about my horse being lonely.

P.S I live on 40 acres but most of it is woods but th rest of my area is pritty much flat grassy feild with the ocasional house.

Answer 1

Imagine it being you.  Humans are social animals just like horses.  Would you be lonely and afraid being kept away from other humans, and adjacent to a woods that may be home to predators that might kill you?  Would you be happy if once a week you might get to see another human being, but not really be able to socialize or develop a relationship?

Many people do keep a lone horse....but it's not the best thing to do.

Answer 2

I have a horse that has laminitis. He has to be kept in a small paddock area. I was going to get a goat, but my vet said that if he wasn't used to having a goat around, he may possible hurt, or kill the goat. So I dismissed the idea. The other horses can come up to his paddock and visit with him, but he does want to be out with them. But for his own sake, I have to keep him in the paddock right now.

Answer 3

it is highly possible to keep just one horse and not having it be lonly. thats what i do. u just have to giv him/her a lot of attention and groom it like once a day just to show that u love it and that it is not alone in the world.

Answer 4

Horses are herd animals, and need to socialise.  Horses can be kept in isolation, but tend to be miserable.  They need the companionship of their own species.  It's like people; a person can live with 12 cats and never have contact with another human.  A horse can live with 12 goats and never have contact with another horse.  However, neither the person nor the horse will be well adjusted and capable of forming relationships if they have been starved of companionship of their own species.

Answer 5

consider getting a goat, sheep or miniature horse/mule/donkey as company.... it really depends on your specific horse as well.

it's at least great that your friend will have a horse as well, so you can get them to be buddies...

if you end up not getting any animal just make sure that you spend lots of time around your horse and keep him company!  i suppose a barn cat would even offer some company too! (my friends barn cats sometimes like ot sit/sleep on the horse's backs, usually when they have blankets!)

if you have enough stalls or a large enough run-in you could offer to let people rough board at your place!  you'll get some extra money and also save when you buy more hay/bedding/food in bulk.... plus you can then have someone take care of your horse if an emergency comes up, and you can help them out too!

Answer 6

I have kept one horse for many years, he was born in the wild and he was kept outside with access to shelter.  and he certainly was a happy fellow, and loved to know what was going on in his line of sight.  Yes they are herd animals, and they do like to socialize.  A dog, a goat, a pig or even the radio left on if the horse is kept in the barn can be used as company.  I would suggest if your horse is the only horse that you keep him outside most of the time. This would allow him to see and smell and interact with other animals in his pasture.

Answer 7

I live on 3 acres and my pony lives by himself. Yes they are herd animals, BUT either my husband or myself spend time with him everyday and oftentimes we let him graze by the kitchen.

He also gets to meet other horses when we go camping, on trail rides, etc.

If you are just going to turn him out and ignore him, get him a buddy, if you are going to commit to spend time with him/her daily, in my experience, it's been fine.

Answer 8

I have heard that a donkey makes a good companion for a horse, they get very lonely

Answer 9

horses by nature are herd animals and it would be cruel to keep them alone! they need to be with other horses or will get depressed. thats not fair

Answer 10

It sounds a lovely place to live!!!

Horses are heard animals but you would be supprised.

Some of them dont take badly to living on their own.

My main concern is for you! you wont have anyone to ride with.

Obviously you care about him or you wouldnt be asking this question and thats enough. Maybe you could get a cow to keep him company if he really does get lonely, they dont cost much.

As said, horses are natural herd animals but that is only because they feel much saferin a big group because they arnt so vunlrable to preditors.

Young Stallions get kicked out of their herd anyway in the wild when they reach about 2 and they either have to live on their own or start their own herd.

Answer 11

You got your answer a goat.

Answer 12

just like any other pet i have to say yes he will be ok

Answer 13

You could get a goat, but your horse would prefer the companion of another horse.

How often do you see house holds with just one horse? Not very often.

It's best to have 2 horses.. Once a week is not enough socialization for a horse.

He/she would get lonely. :(

Answer 14

Your horse will be lonely. Get a goat for company, they make great companions for horses.