ihatework
Well-Known Member
I can't echo your post enough.
Keeping a horse solitary is boardering on abuse in my eyes.
Keeping a horse by itself - your opinions
- Thread starter TheEquineOak
- Start date
I can't echo your post enough.
Keeping a horse solitary is boardering on abuse in my eyes.
picolenicole
Well-Known Member
Yeah I know it's not natural, and would love, love, love a second pony/horse.(Trying my best to get OH one, but he keeps saying I would have to pay for up keep on his horse, and look after it!!)
But due to the time and money (I.E insurance and feeding 2 not the cost of buying, I could do it but would struggle, and don't want any of my animals to go without.), and the fact that when it snows 4 foot deep parent-in-laws have to look after him I would. I would feel worse having 2 and not spending the time on them and having either one or both just left in a field worse than having King on his own where he can see other horse's, but not touch them. If I could I would have someone else livery at the yard, but it's not my yard so I cann't
jendie
Well-Known Member
I suspect a horse would 'get used' to being alone if it had to be kept that way but I do feel they need companionship of their own kind, just look at how strong and how long their bonds last. A horse can recognise a former equine friend after years of being parted. If I was pushed I'd get a mini Shet as a companion, they live on air, are no trouble and are very sociable.
luckyoldme
Well-Known Member
most frustrating thread ever. my horse is kept on his own. That means that according to some of the big talking small minded posters on here he is neglected and abused. I have yet to receive a practical remedy for a horse who bites other horses and leaves them scarred. I have asked for posters to prove their point by lending me their herd animals to go in with my herd animal but of course no replies because there is no solution. My horse is on his own feel free to pm me for details if you wish to send the sspca round. Just reminds me of the early days when i first got him.. so many people saying they would have him bombproof in a week then completely unavailable at any time in the near future to get on him!
Allover
Well-Known Member
I need to clarify here, i have no problems with single turnout when the horse ban see\touch another horse when a horse is agressive to others, what i do have a problem with is horses kept on their own with no horses "next door".
It is not "small or narrow minded" ness that concerns people about horses being on their own, it is the fact that horses should be in groups and are generally happier that way.
As another poster has pointed out, they become resigned to the fact that they are alone.
It is not "small or narrow minded" ness that concerns people about horses being on their own, it is the fact that horses should be in groups and are generally happier that way.
As another poster has pointed out, they become resigned to the fact that they are alone.
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
Depends where you are. I have a big mare who would sort him out. She too is very aggressive and bitey if it's the wrong horse. However she loves her equally dominant friend very much ( who is sadly on box rest for the foreseeable future
) She could come live with him if your close enough (west lothian) or vice versa. Her problems stem from living on her own as a youngster.....
Jericho
Well-Known Member
Agree that horses are herd animals and it is more natural for them to live with others. However I had a welsh a who lived on her own for a year and she seemed perfectly happy, she didn't even worry when she saw other horses hacking past, just looked up for a quick glance and carried on eating! When we did get another horse she seemed to hate it because there was all the fighting over hay piles etc. And she never seemed as relaxed. She lived at home though and had lots of attention plus she seemed to quite like the chickens.
My current mare I suspect would be happier on her own, she never frets about company, does her own thing and she doesn't really get on with her companion because he is a rather bossy clingy little thing, who constantly is 'moving' her on, putting his ears back etc. I would seperate them if I thought that I could keep him apart plus it would make him desperately sad.
My current mare I suspect would be happier on her own, she never frets about company, does her own thing and she doesn't really get on with her companion because he is a rather bossy clingy little thing, who constantly is 'moving' her on, putting his ears back etc. I would seperate them if I thought that I could keep him apart plus it would make him desperately sad.
JaneByrne
New User
Wow! Lots of very dominant view on this one.
I keep my mare on her own while she is in work and she is perfectly happy. She loves going out to competitions and riding events but breathes a contented sigh when she gets home to her own space. She has 365 days access to lovely paddocks.
She was turned away over the winter with a companion and they got on really well. I was worried when I sent the companion home but my mare wasn't.
The person who said a shetland was the solution obviously doesn't know them very well - we had one as a companion for 6 weeks and it was a complete nightmare. She was a terror! Also, my mare developed desperate separation anxiety which made her much more unhappy than I have ever seen her. The friend had to go before I could do anything with her.
I would never judge anyone who kept their horse alone. It is so long since horses were allowed to be in the wild ie their natural state that they have adapted to many of the requirements of modern equine life. As long as they have plenty of stimulation and loving care, I believe they can be and are happy. My mare is definitely proof of that.
I keep my mare on her own while she is in work and she is perfectly happy. She loves going out to competitions and riding events but breathes a contented sigh when she gets home to her own space. She has 365 days access to lovely paddocks.
She was turned away over the winter with a companion and they got on really well. I was worried when I sent the companion home but my mare wasn't.
The person who said a shetland was the solution obviously doesn't know them very well - we had one as a companion for 6 weeks and it was a complete nightmare. She was a terror! Also, my mare developed desperate separation anxiety which made her much more unhappy than I have ever seen her. The friend had to go before I could do anything with her.
I would never judge anyone who kept their horse alone. It is so long since horses were allowed to be in the wild ie their natural state that they have adapted to many of the requirements of modern equine life. As long as they have plenty of stimulation and loving care, I believe they can be and are happy. My mare is definitely proof of that.
nixxyz
Well-Known Member
agree with this, my girl is the same but also agree some horses thrive bein on their own whereas others dont. guess it depends on what the horse is used to and how its brought up.
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
I haven't read all of the replies (lots though!), but its an interesting thread. I like horses to live in a herd if possible. It is more natural. I'm not a fan of individual turnout either - I like the horses to be able to groom and socialise too, and be in fields where they can charge around en mass if they feel like it.
However I hate two horses together - you get a horrible clingy partnership more often than not.
Lots of people are saying that its cruel and un natural to keep horses alone, yet so many people on here keep their horses in 24/7 throughout the winter, which is also un natural and not good for the horse's mental health! I wouldn't go so far as to say cruel etc, but I do feel sorry for horses left alone - especially those that are never ridden.
When I bought my mare, she had never had turnont, and had no clue what to do in the field - she would ignore the herd at the livery yard where I kept her and stand at the gate! This lasted two weeks before she worked out what to do. Eventually I brought her home, but at that point we had no companion. She was perfectly happy alone. No issues whatsoever. No runing to the fence when horses hacked past, nothing. After a few weeks, we got a pony as a companion. My mare was horrified!! She would run to the other side of the field if it came near her. I think she'd never met a pony and was terrified! Once she got used to it, she became joined at the hip with the pony, and was a nightmare at shows, neighing and trying to nap. The following year we got a few more horses on, and she returned to normal.
However I hate two horses together - you get a horrible clingy partnership more often than not.
Lots of people are saying that its cruel and un natural to keep horses alone, yet so many people on here keep their horses in 24/7 throughout the winter, which is also un natural and not good for the horse's mental health! I wouldn't go so far as to say cruel etc, but I do feel sorry for horses left alone - especially those that are never ridden.
When I bought my mare, she had never had turnont, and had no clue what to do in the field - she would ignore the herd at the livery yard where I kept her and stand at the gate! This lasted two weeks before she worked out what to do. Eventually I brought her home, but at that point we had no companion. She was perfectly happy alone. No issues whatsoever. No runing to the fence when horses hacked past, nothing. After a few weeks, we got a pony as a companion. My mare was horrified!! She would run to the other side of the field if it came near her. I think she'd never met a pony and was terrified! Once she got used to it, she became joined at the hip with the pony, and was a nightmare at shows, neighing and trying to nap. The following year we got a few more horses on, and she returned to normal.
Roasted Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
Well I dont believe your post is correct either. Kia was a poor doer up until winter 2008/2009. I didnt get Eowyn until 2010 so how does that work out in your opinion?? I actually take rather an exception to your suggestion that I am stupid as well.
Kia was POOR when I bought him and he was in a field with a herd of 7 or 8 youngsters at that time so how was that fact that he was by himself make him poor??? so i think maybe you should have a bit more info about MY horse before you start making assumptions. I managed to nail down (with the help of vets and trusted others) a diet that helped him, when you have a horse that you cannot give any feeding with more than 10% starch to there are VERY few feeds on the market able to do that.
Kia was on a livery yard with 15 horses and he was still poor he was there for a year WHERE I discovered his cereal intolerancy.
So Kallibear maybe you should think before you tell others about their horses. Many of my friends past and present met Kia at home and can tell you that he hasnt changed since Eowyn came, hes still the same lone wolf that he has always been. its just now the extra vet bills and rug repair bills are mines to deal with
Your biased opinions on horses on their own are well known from your previous slatings of my horses life style. At least I can take my horse to a show and not have them screaming their heads off for their friends and booting other horses in showrings if you want to bring up past event
Sanolly
Well-Known Member
this sounds like my little mare. She has always been kept with others, and without fail you will see the other horses grazing together/near each other - and her at the other side of the field on her own with no sign of wanting to be with the rest.I know horses that are on their own and are not bothered, one pony I know named magic, loves it! No fighting over piles of hay or being chased, hes always been bottom of the herd and never really gets on with other horses or animals, so prefers to be alone.
It depends entirely on the horse!
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
AmyMay
Situation normal
I know horses that are on their own and are not bothered, one pony I know named magic, loves it! No fighting over piles of hay or being chased, hes always been bottom of the herd and never really gets on with other horses or animals, so prefers to be alone.
It depends entirely on the horse!
Mmm if he was being chased off hay - then the it's the management of how the hay is distributed that is wrong. 8 horses = a minimum of 10 piles of hay, well spread out..........
tango'smum
Well-Known Member
my pony is kept on his own, seems very happy. he has human and dog company all day, hes kept at home....
Tormenta
Well-Known Member
There is a little Welsh pony kept on his own near where we live, he has been like that for years, almost every time I drive past he is windsucking on the fence posts and chewing on them. Whether it is down to boredom or not I don't know but I can't help but think it is and a little friend might help. Does a horse on its own not miss mutual grooming? Going down for a kip while someone else stands as lookout? I think they need that 'buddy' to look out for them. IMO.
Nettle123
Well-Known Member
I was given a new forest pony some years ago. His Owners had outgrown him and he had been on his own in a very secluded field for some years only being visited occasionally. I collected him and put him in our field and he just looked around in a heyho sort of manner.
In the afternoon I collected my other two ponies from their livery yard and brought them home. When the NF pony saw them coming down the ramp he went ballistic. They shot of bucking and having a great hooley. For the rest of his life with us he was never more than a few feet from my other two and clearly loved their company.
After seeing that I would never keep and horse or pony alone unless I could guarantee him lots of attention from myself every day.
In the afternoon I collected my other two ponies from their livery yard and brought them home. When the NF pony saw them coming down the ramp he went ballistic. They shot of bucking and having a great hooley. For the rest of his life with us he was never more than a few feet from my other two and clearly loved their company.
After seeing that I would never keep and horse or pony alone unless I could guarantee him lots of attention from myself every day.
wonkey_donkey
Well-Known Member
I would never keep a horse without the company of another horse.
paddi22
Well-Known Member
we took our horse on holiday with us for a month, and he was by himself, but with all our family around us, dogs etc. i didn't notice any difference in his behaviour and he seemed his usual happy self. But one night he clambered over a massive fence and ditch, (i dont know how he managed it!,) and he was found about 5 miles up the road trying to get into a field of other horses. i'd never keep a horse alone after that.
MICHAELA8228
Well-Known Member
My mare is kept on her own at home and has wintered and ridden wise is the best she's ever been..... We ride out at the weekends with others and have horses within smelling (not sight) distance.
I think all cases are individual but in mine, it suits my lady down to the ground.....
tango'smum
Well-Known Member
he can see other horses, across the carrigeway... he see's horses when i ride out....new to the area so not found anyone to ride with yet...
HelsB
Well-Known Member
My horse is kept alone. I do not see it as cruel, neither do I think that I shouldn't have him if I "can't afford two".
I used to keep him at a livery yard with plenty of other horses and he showed lots of signs of being unhappy, although I did not realise that at the time and took them to be behavioural issues.
When moving him home I did have a companion for him, for the first 3 years, but when our 'ideal' companion left us I am afraid that we got a new one who caused more trouble than she was worth, although we did keep her until her owners had her PTS due to ongoing lameness issues.
While having the companions, he has had a few weeks here and there with them going away, to vets, training etc and never seemed bothered, and although I had another companion lined up for when the last one was PTS this fell through.
He has now been alone for just over 3 months, and seems happier than ever. Loves having my undivided attention, meets other horses on hacks and is happy to leave them, doesn't call to those hacking past or anything. YET....I know in my mind that he is a HERD ANIMAL, so I feel guilty even though he seems happier!! He does have houses around his field and spends a lot of time 'supervising' the gardeners, he did this when the other horse was there too!
I am still 'on the look' for the right companion, but it has to be right for me, not just him! I can't cope with one that will tear about if it has to wait 2 mins for me to take him in first, or indeed refuse to go in first, or jump on my head when I try to lead it! Although I have to say, that if my boy were to show ANY sign of not wanting to be kept alone I would be less picky and have horses I could go and borrow with about an hour's notice!!
Tinsel Town
Well-Known Member
Personally I wouldnt ever keep a horse on its own, its not natural to them. Even if you give them a companion of the non horsey kind.
Best kept with a horsey friend
Best kept with a horsey friend
SuperCoblet
Well-Known Member
Gypsy stays on his own 60% of the time, most days (not all) he goes up to a field with another horse and goat in, but we bring him home at night to be fed ect. Also it's good for him as he gets EXTREMELY attached to other horses so we were advised to separate them often so he gets used to it. And yes, it works as he now has the confidence to be on his own and hack out on a short ride on his own 
But yes, I do agree, most horses should be kept on their own, they're heard animals and that is how they live. Although some eceptions (ie gypsy)
But yes, I do agree, most horses should be kept on their own, they're heard animals and that is how they live. Although some eceptions (ie gypsy)
Wagtail
Horse servant
Horses often seem happier on their own because they rely on us more. They bond with us more and we read that as them being happy. Would you be happy with no other humans and just animals? You would be doting on the animals, your only company and be as nice as you could with them, but would you be happy?
tango'smum
Well-Known Member
i would be very happy with no human contact... i dont really mix with people... i have had a rough life, if i didnt have tango i hate to think where i would be right now... hes the only thing i trust!!!!
Wagtail
Horse servant
I think you are in a very small minority. I love to be by myself a lot of the time (people drive me mad), but would hate it if I actually lived alone. Horses are even less likely to be content alone than people. Even horses that are rather anti social prefer to be kept with other horses as they feel safer. They are a prey animal and need others around to help keep watch. It has been proved that horses kept alone sleep much less than those tha live with others. You cannot possibly know how happy your horse is without horse company. At the moment you are what he relies on and so he will always be happy to see you and relaxed in your company, but you do not know how he feels when you are asleep or when you cannot be with him.
Wagtail
Horse servant
Also, I have to challenge you on the fact that you would be very happy without other people. You voluntarily come on this forum to chat with others. If you really didn't need any human interaction, there is no way you would do this.
Roasted Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
i wouldnt be on the forum if it wasnt about horses. having been kicked in the chops (figuratively) by people I called friends more times than I can count I have to say people arent for me in the most cases. I sometimes cant be bothered with people in general and dont socialise much outside of a very small circle and even that has disappeared to almost nothing over the last wee while.
I like posting about horses but if I was told to walk away from it then I would without a second glance, its not necessary to me and I have to say I spend more time on here looking at things than I do interacting
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mcnaughty
Well-Known Member
How rude! How on earth can you possibly know how Tango's mum feels! Taking part in a forum discussion is nothing like interacting face to face with other humans - stupid comment.
As for keeping horses - in an idea situation all horses would be kept in herd environments - however I know several horses and ponies of all different types, sexes and ages that live by themselves very happily and never suffer any of the anxiety problems my mare does when she is seperated from her field mates. Actually, I would go as far to say that a horse by himself is happier than two together when one of those is taken out to exercise it. So if you have one by itself (by the way some on here are speaking) - you would need to get two more to make it happy.
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