MizElz
Well-Known Member
What are your opinions on keeping 'lone' horses? Ie. no other equine company, other than any that may be ridden past once/twice a week.
Keeping a horse on its own....
- Thread starter MizElz
- Start date
ihatework
Well-Known Member
I'm sure lots of horses would get used to it but I personally think it's downright cruel.
Deefa
Well-Known Member
Personally i wouldn't do it. but i know many people who have and the horses dont really seem to bothered
mickey
Well-Known Member
I know for sure my horse would not take to this. He is much happier on a busy yard with a number of horses. For my horse, it would not be fair to do that. I can't comment for other horses though.
jumpthemoon
Well-Known Member
I keep my mare on her own. It's not ideal, but it's either that or sell her/loan her out, and a 13yr old ex racer who is v. tricky under saddle is porb better off on her own than out in the big wide world
Having said that, we are moving soon and she will be kept with my other horse at a livery yard then, so she'll have some friends
Having said that, we are moving soon and she will be kept with my other horse at a livery yard then, so she'll have some friends
jumpthemoon
Well-Known Member
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I'm sure lots of horses would get used to it but I personally think it's downright cruel.
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I think that's a little unfair and a bit of a 'sweeping statement' - don't you think it depends on the horse and the situation?
I'm sure lots of horses would get used to it but I personally think it's downright cruel.
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I think that's a little unfair and a bit of a 'sweeping statement' - don't you think it depends on the horse and the situation?
ihatework
Well-Known Member
Not really no, the only exception being a horse that for whatever reason hated any other horse being anywhere near it.
I have known a few horses kept on their own and they cope. It's something I would never contemplate for any of mine though
I have known a few horses kept on their own and they cope. It's something I would never contemplate for any of mine though
isabella
Well-Known Member
my mare was on her own for a year before i had the time and money for another she is VERY sociable in general but she didn't mind being alone just more dependant on me and a bit more fussy
Nudibranch
Well-Known Member
Absolutely totally wrong. There's no excuse for not having a companion, there are thousands of shetlands and little ponies needing homes. They are social animals and it's probably as bad as keeping a human in solitary, maybe even worse as the horse cannot understand.
Blackhawk
Well-Known Member
What if a horse has been abused most of it's life, have never been socially integrated with other horses and if it was, would be bullied, downright miserable and not know how to interact?
happihorse
Well-Known Member
As jumpthemoon says, I think it depends on the horse and what the atmosphere is like. A little old pony that is kept with other animals (eg sheep and goats) is unlikely to be that bothered. However, a comp horse that has been kept with others all its life is likely to go mad!
We tried to keep our horse at home alone several years ago, but he would go balistic when we took him out to shows and he saw other horses. We decided to get him a companion pony and he soon settled down.
We tried to keep our horse at home alone several years ago, but he would go balistic when we took him out to shows and he saw other horses. We decided to get him a companion pony and he soon settled down.
MizElz
Well-Known Member
its interesting that a couple of peeps find it cruel....
Ellie has been kept alone for nearly two years now; she has the cows for company during part of the summer, but otherwise is very much on her own. she is FAR more sociable now than she ever was when we kept her with others; she no longer weaves like crazy as she used to when another horse left the yard, and, in having to turn to me for back scratches and cuddles, the bond between us is much stronger now! she seems very happy, which is just as well; if she didnt, we dont have any other options lol!
Ellie has been kept alone for nearly two years now; she has the cows for company during part of the summer, but otherwise is very much on her own. she is FAR more sociable now than she ever was when we kept her with others; she no longer weaves like crazy as she used to when another horse left the yard, and, in having to turn to me for back scratches and cuddles, the bond between us is much stronger now! she seems very happy, which is just as well; if she didnt, we dont have any other options lol!
clipclop
Well-Known Member
It's not ideal, it is as far from natural as you could go for them. (Being as they are herd animals) but many do cope just fine.
Some people use sheep etc as companions? I think it depends on the horse.
Some people use sheep etc as companions? I think it depends on the horse.
jesterfaerie
Well-Known Member
I have had had two ponies and they were kept on their one (first because we didn't have another then they were kept together then the second one was on his own because we got rid of the first one - was on loan)
both coped extreamly well with being on their own.
both coped extreamly well with being on their own.
jumpthemoon
Well-Known Member
I'd like to know what the peeps who think it's cruel would suggest I do with my mare, as company isn't an option? Have her shot, maybe? Put her in an auction? When she used to be kept in company she would keep her distance from the other horses and has never been bothered about whether they are there or not. My other horse is very sociable and I would not really consider keeping him on his own, but my mare copes just fine.
As Mizelz has said about her horse, she relies on me a little more and is more fussy, but she is far happier than when she was stuck out in a field with a load of brood mares, covered in rainscald, so scared you couldn't get a headcollar on/off her and left to get on with it.
As Mizelz has said about her horse, she relies on me a little more and is more fussy, but she is far happier than when she was stuck out in a field with a load of brood mares, covered in rainscald, so scared you couldn't get a headcollar on/off her and left to get on with it.
Tinkerbee
Well-Known Member
Our near neighbours in NI had a horse kept on its own for years...she always seemed fine, but we offered our field (with my pony) to them , and they agreed, but Kate kept jumping out and going home, so depends on the horse
arwenplusone
Well-Known Member
Totally depends on the horse. For the majority no, I would never keep a horse on its own. They are herd animals and seek security in numbers - that said some situations mean that this is unavoidable and most horses seem to adapt to it well.
I would say if the horse is well fed, secure, well cared for, warm and has shelter when necessary then his basic physiological needs are covered and of course it is not cruel. But you do have to question whether his emotional needs are being met. Again, comes down to the individual horse. Those kept alone may be happy but may be happi - er if with friends. Those with friends may crave a bit of solitude - esp if being bullied!
Starting to ramble now!
ihatework
Well-Known Member
You've answered your own question earlier on ... you are moving her to a livery yard so she will have some company ... ?
Might sound cruel but if I had a horse that was unrideable and did not interact with other horses then I probably would consider PTS.
Now I'm running out of this thread before someone tries to lynch me.
PS - I'm not disagreeing with solo turnout, just literally a horse, on it's own with no others in sight or to scratch with over a fence etc.
Might sound cruel but if I had a horse that was unrideable and did not interact with other horses then I probably would consider PTS.
Now I'm running out of this thread before someone tries to lynch me.
PS - I'm not disagreeing with solo turnout, just literally a horse, on it's own with no others in sight or to scratch with over a fence etc.
Selkie
Well-Known Member
My friends horse lives on her own and is quite happy. I can ride past her field and she doesnt even come to look. Where as mine wont stay in the field on her own
Nudibranch
Well-Known Member
I don't see why it has to be one extreme or the other, i.e stuck out in a field with rainscald, or kept alone? I've yet to meet a horse who cannot socialise with others, even if it is just one animal. The horse did not evolve as an individual, and whatever we say about breeding and domestication, as we all know they retain many characteristics of the wild horse, including the flight response, claustrophobia and the need for companionship. It was only our need for convenience that led to stabling and lone horses. Just because they will tolerate it doesn't mean its a good idea.
Baggybreeches
Well-Known Member
Not something I would choose to do, but that said I did have a pony two summers ago at home on her own, while my horses were turned away. She is a bit of an oddbod, and quite enjoyed being the centre of attention, she was on her own for about 3 months, but I think long term its not so good.
Nudibranch
Well-Known Member
I should add that I agree with Ben_and_Jerrys about the lone turnout btw - I don't have a problem with horses being in their own paddock or whatever but to keep them without sight, sound or touch of another equine seems unreasonable.
MizElz
Well-Known Member
what about people who simply couldnt afford to do anything different - ie. they may have the means and place to keep one horse, but couldnt stretch to keeping two? (even a mere companion would need the vet/farrier/feeding etc). do you still think that this is unnacceptable? if a person can only afford one horse and has to keep it on its own, should said person sell horse/have PTS? i personally think this is a very extreme and incomprehendable view.
Nudibranch
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure I'd agree with anyone taking on a horse if they couldn't give it a companion of it's own, or at least turnout next to others. As a temporary change of circumstances then fair enough, some things can't be helped. But I just can't agree with it long term. An old school friend used to keep her welsh cob alone on top of a hill and she must have been the loneliest pony in the country - my friend always commented on how the pony always whinnnied when it heard us coming out on hacks, and did the same when we had to go our separate ways.
MotherOfChickens
MotherDucker
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what about people who simply couldnt afford to do anything different - ie. they may have the means and place to keep one horse, but couldnt stretch to keeping two? (even a mere companion would need the vet/farrier/feeding etc). do you still think that this is unnacceptable? if a person can only afford one horse and has to keep it on its own, should said person sell horse/have PTS? i personally think this is a very extreme and incomprehendable view.
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if you cant afford to keep a horse properly, including its 'emotional' welfare then no, you shouldnt have one. There are plenty of DIY yards where they'd be company and if you have your own land, you can afford a companion.
what about people who simply couldnt afford to do anything different - ie. they may have the means and place to keep one horse, but couldnt stretch to keeping two? (even a mere companion would need the vet/farrier/feeding etc). do you still think that this is unnacceptable? if a person can only afford one horse and has to keep it on its own, should said person sell horse/have PTS? i personally think this is a very extreme and incomprehendable view.
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if you cant afford to keep a horse properly, including its 'emotional' welfare then no, you shouldnt have one. There are plenty of DIY yards where they'd be company and if you have your own land, you can afford a companion.
isabella
Well-Known Member
well in my defence for my ned being on its own i had just moved yards closer to home and she could see other horses, and tbh i do understand that its un natural for them and not the best set up but she didn't seem bothered by it and didn't change as soon as she had a buddy so i personally think it depends on the individual and each to their own
before moving to my new field i was hell bent against the idea of her being left on her own and i did have a mates horse in with her for a bit but he was a big bully lol
before moving to my new field i was hell bent against the idea of her being left on her own and i did have a mates horse in with her for a bit but he was a big bully lol
MizElz
Well-Known Member
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what about people who simply couldnt afford to do anything different - ie. they may have the means and place to keep one horse, but couldnt stretch to keeping two? (even a mere companion would need the vet/farrier/feeding etc). do you still think that this is unnacceptable? if a person can only afford one horse and has to keep it on its own, should said person sell horse/have PTS? i personally think this is a very extreme and incomprehendable view.
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if you cant afford to keep a horse properly, including its 'emotional' welfare then no, you shouldnt have one. There are plenty of DIY yards where they'd be company and if you have your own land, you can afford a companion.
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may i explain a little about my personal situation, and then you can see if you still hold the same opinion. you may do, i dont know, but until an issue is contextualised, it is perhaps hard to truly understand the intricacies.
i first got ellie when we owned our own house, with our own stables, own land and three other horses. unfortunately, this was the same year my dad decided to bugger off and leave us, and, after hanging on to the place for three years as a lone parent, mum finally had to take the decision to move. the money from the house went mainly towards paying off my dad's debts, so we were faced with either finding somewhere reasonable to rent on a limited income, or go into council housing. we were lucky; a farming friend offered us a cottage for rent, and this is where we are now.
when we moved, one of our ponies, a long term loan anyway, went back to her original owner. the two others, both golden oldies, we had PTS, to avoid the upheaval and uncertainty in the future. we managed to keep hold of ellie only because another very kind friend offered us a stable for a year, for whatever we could afford to give her. at the end of the year, however, said friend bought another horse and needed the stable back. at this point, our landlord gave us permission to remove an old ramshackle tin shed beside our house and erect a stable, on the condition that we pay for field rent. thus ellie was finally moved home again, albeit to be a lone horse.
mum tries her best to keep us afloat; i have now taken over ellie's upkeep, but god knows, neither of us could afford to cope with the costs of another, as much as we would love to. keeping her alone is not ideal, but she is a happy horse - far happier than she was in the fast-moving competition yard we moved from. so what do you suggest i do - sell the one thing that saved us all from mentally going under?
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what about people who simply couldnt afford to do anything different - ie. they may have the means and place to keep one horse, but couldnt stretch to keeping two? (even a mere companion would need the vet/farrier/feeding etc). do you still think that this is unnacceptable? if a person can only afford one horse and has to keep it on its own, should said person sell horse/have PTS? i personally think this is a very extreme and incomprehendable view.
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if you cant afford to keep a horse properly, including its 'emotional' welfare then no, you shouldnt have one. There are plenty of DIY yards where they'd be company and if you have your own land, you can afford a companion.
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may i explain a little about my personal situation, and then you can see if you still hold the same opinion. you may do, i dont know, but until an issue is contextualised, it is perhaps hard to truly understand the intricacies.
i first got ellie when we owned our own house, with our own stables, own land and three other horses. unfortunately, this was the same year my dad decided to bugger off and leave us, and, after hanging on to the place for three years as a lone parent, mum finally had to take the decision to move. the money from the house went mainly towards paying off my dad's debts, so we were faced with either finding somewhere reasonable to rent on a limited income, or go into council housing. we were lucky; a farming friend offered us a cottage for rent, and this is where we are now.
when we moved, one of our ponies, a long term loan anyway, went back to her original owner. the two others, both golden oldies, we had PTS, to avoid the upheaval and uncertainty in the future. we managed to keep hold of ellie only because another very kind friend offered us a stable for a year, for whatever we could afford to give her. at the end of the year, however, said friend bought another horse and needed the stable back. at this point, our landlord gave us permission to remove an old ramshackle tin shed beside our house and erect a stable, on the condition that we pay for field rent. thus ellie was finally moved home again, albeit to be a lone horse.
mum tries her best to keep us afloat; i have now taken over ellie's upkeep, but god knows, neither of us could afford to cope with the costs of another, as much as we would love to. keeping her alone is not ideal, but she is a happy horse - far happier than she was in the fast-moving competition yard we moved from. so what do you suggest i do - sell the one thing that saved us all from mentally going under?
aimeerose
Well-Known Member
I have kept ponies on there own before and TBH they were happy healthy, in no way depressed and not silly or clingy when we met other horses.
It wouldnt suit every horse but some cope with it very well, and enjoy the extra human attention
also plenty of horses are turned out alone, kept in barred stables where they cant mutually groom/touch etc - that is surely worse.
It wouldnt suit every horse but some cope with it very well, and enjoy the extra human attention
also plenty of horses are turned out alone, kept in barred stables where they cant mutually groom/touch etc - that is surely worse.
jumpthemoon
Well-Known Member
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You've answered your own question earlier on ... you are moving her to a livery yard so she will have some company ... ?
Might sound cruel but if I had a horse that was unrideable and did not interact with other horses then I probably would consider PTS.
Now I'm running out of this thread before someone tries to lynch me.
PS - I'm not disagreeing with solo turnout, just literally a horse, on it's own with no others in sight or to scratch with over a fence etc.
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I'd run quick if I were you.... I'm moving house, so she can't be kept at home any more, nothing to do with company, just logistics. Not saying it won't be nice for her, but I don't know why horses that are unable to be ridden are better off dead? Maybe that's another thread....
Anyway, she can be ridden, she's just v. quirky.
I don't think it's ok in all circumstances and for a horses whole life, but I think if the horse is happy enough (and trust me I'd know if she wasn't) and it is for a limited period of time ( a few years of their life - not all of it) I really don't see the problem.
You've answered your own question earlier on ... you are moving her to a livery yard so she will have some company ... ?
Might sound cruel but if I had a horse that was unrideable and did not interact with other horses then I probably would consider PTS.
Now I'm running out of this thread before someone tries to lynch me.
PS - I'm not disagreeing with solo turnout, just literally a horse, on it's own with no others in sight or to scratch with over a fence etc.
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I'd run quick if I were you.... I'm moving house, so she can't be kept at home any more, nothing to do with company, just logistics. Not saying it won't be nice for her, but I don't know why horses that are unable to be ridden are better off dead? Maybe that's another thread....
I don't think it's ok in all circumstances and for a horses whole life, but I think if the horse is happy enough (and trust me I'd know if she wasn't) and it is for a limited period of time ( a few years of their life - not all of it) I really don't see the problem.
Baggybreeches
Well-Known Member
I wouldnt be too worried about her, if you are working her and providing mental stimulation she will be happy enough. A friend of mine keeps her horse alone, and I feel really sorry for him, she doesnt ride him often and he has no company or mental stimulation.