keeping horses on their own

The dog example is always bought up by those lacking a knowledge of animal psychology. And yes, keeping a dog in solitary confinement for 22hrs a day is cruel and you would probably have the dog removed . Thankfully my dog lives in the house with me and only spends time alone whilst Im at work (many people would even count that as cruel) Humans make an adequate replacement pack for dogs( in fact its been bred into them). A cat would not. Nor does a sheep make an adequate replacement herd for a horse.
 
They are herd animals and need contact with other horses, I hate to see then only even with a horse across the fence. In my eyes it's very very wrong to keep horses on there own and something if never do.
 
I know this is a very old thread but I would have thought the mare was more relaxed as her previous companion just wasn't right. I couldn't have a horse on their own. I love to watch them interact with each other. In this case I would have got her another mare as a companion..not a hooligan boy.
 
Funny how year old posts are resurrected! Just to update my situation - my mare isn't in her own, she is now with an elderly cob and a welsh A mare. In all honesty although she follows the 'herd' round she is less relaxed, is bottom of the pecking order and seems less comfortable in her surroundings, constantly being moved around and always having an eye on the others. She still shows no seperation anxiety. However I do appreciate its more natural and she does neigh to the returning horse when we have been to a show so I guess she does appreciate a herd. Would I keep her on her own now? I really liked her and had a great bondcwith her whenshe was on her own for a few weeks but overall no I would choose to always have a companion for her because it is more natural.
 
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