Am I being fair to my boy?

J

Janah

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My boy up 'til recently has always had a companion or indeed part of a male herd. He is a very playful chap and enjoys playing/running around with the guys despite his 20 yrs.

I now keep him at livery where there is no suitable field companion. Lack of other liveries. He is in sight of others, but no contact. I really feel that he is missing out. Am I being oversensitive or is this acceptable.

I always swore that a horse kept on it's own is not right and although technically not on his own, am I being mean?

Jane
 
I'd think it would be nicer for him to have a companion. Is he able to groom other horses over the fence at all? Although horse can manage ok on their own most would prefer to have companionship. Does your boy seem unhappy at all? Some horses aren't that bothered but others can get very upset. Are the other horses in fairly close proximity?
 
No chance to mutual groom as stream seperates them. He doesn't seem overly bothered but pays me more attention than he ever has which makes me think he is missing out. He has never been a people person. I have given him a companion pony in the past but really cannot afford to do so, at this moment in time, not that he seemed really bothered by companion, I feel really guilty about this.

Jane
 
Well I am against keeping horses on their own unless there is good reason. For example, a gelding at my yard needs individual turnout as he is overly handy with his hind feet and a real danger to others. He has contact over the fence though and seems very happy.
 
You've said he is in sight of other horses, and I presume being on livery there is a decent level of activity and stuff going on to keep him amused.

Obviously, it's always nice for a horse to have immediate contact with another horse/animal. But, given the situation I think you are being fair on him.

If his behaviour changes/weight changes etc, then think about some form of turnout that will allow him to graze with another horse, but IMO there is nothing wrong with what you are doing :)
 
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