Happy Horses
Horses are herd animals. For millions of years, they have
depended on others of their kind for basic survival. They are
highly social animals and also enjoy the company of others. If
your horse is all alone, it probably isn’t happy. A horse’s
unhappiness can lead to stress, which can manifest itself in
bad behavior and even negatively impact your horse’s physical
health. So how do you know if your horse is lonely?
Does your only horse whinny and get all excited when you pass
other horses in a pasture while on your daily ride? Have you
ever noticed his reaction to other horses coming into his range
of sight when he’s in his pasture? He most like runs pell-mell
to the fence, whinnying frantically to get their attention.
He’s trying to tell you something. He’s saying he wants to be
part of the gang!
There are things you can do to help your horse without adopting
a herd for him. For one thing, you could get him a companion.
Another horse would be best, but if that isn’t possible, the
next best thing would be another equine: a pony, a donkey, a
miniature horse, or a mule.
If another equine of any type is totally out of the question,
try a goat. A goat can be your horse’s best friend. Horses will
usually bond with a goat when they don’t have other equines
around. A large goat, like a Boer, would be best. Boers are big
enough to assuage your worry about the goat’s getting stepped
on by your horse. Also, get a goat without horns. Rough play
between a horse and a horned goat could lead to an injured
horse.
Another way to keep your horse emotionally happy and metally
occupied is with games and playthings. Most people don’t think
of horses as “playing,” but experienced horsemen know that many
horses are playful. Try tying an empty gallon milk jug in his
stall, about head high. Be sure it’s high enough for him not to
get tangled in the tether, but short enough for him to reach
it. Some horses love batting the jug around.
For outside toys, try a small tire that’s light enough for your
horse to pick up. Some horses enjoy tossing a tire around, and
it provides exercise as well as fun for the animal. Large balls
with tough coverings are another good choice for pasture play.
Some horses will spend hours rolling a big ball with their
noses.
If you have a horse-owner friend in your area, schedule “play
dates” for the horses. You and your pal could meet halfway if
there’s considerable distance between you. Your regular
ride will be much more fun for you and your horse when riding
with a friend. When the two horses first meet, don’t be
surprised if there’s a little foot stamping and snorting. Once
the horses become accustomed to each other, however, they’ll
most likely become friends – unless you’re trying to get two
stallions together, which, by the way, is not a good idea!
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