Best Companion Animals For Horses
While it’s ideal to have another horse as the perfect companion to your riding buddy, this may not be economically feasible for all horse owners.
Luckily, there are a number of companion animals that can make amazing friends for your foal. Below, we’ll share some of the best companion animals for horses so that you can bright up the barn with some new best buddies.
Why Do Horses Need Companions?
Before seeking out a new companion for your trusty steed, it’s important to understand why your horse needs company. In general, horses are herd animals who feel safer in group settings. Horses with companions are emotionally and physically healthier. Not to mention, happy horses are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like wood chewing or stall walking.
Ideally, your horse would have other horses to spend time with. While this can get costly, there are other options available such as seeking out a companion horse from a rescue or sanctuary. While many of these horses are no longer suitable for riding purposes, they can still serve as amazing companions to your horse.
If seeking out another horse isn’t an option, consider some of the other furry friends below.
Livestock Guardian Dog
Dogs are highly adaptable, sociable animals, so it stands to reason that they would make excellent companions for your horse. Livestock guardian dogs are typically brought up with the livestock and companion animals that they’re meant to spend time with. That being said, it’s probably best that you procure one of these pets as a puppy.
Livestock guardian breeds have the added benefit of protecting your barn and horse from a number of outside predators. These dogs are typically more independent than the average family dog, but they’re happy to say hi to their human family members when they aren’t hanging out with your horse.
Goat
Goats can make great friends of horses if you have limited space or funds. These furry friends can also help you keep the pasture looking its best since they are known eaters of weeds. That being said, goats have the tendency to nibble on anything and everything, including horse tail, so you’ll need to make sure the two furry friends are properly socialized. Goats are also natural escape artists, so you’ll want to invest in some sturdy fencing.
Poultry
While you wouldn’t expect your horse to cuddle up next to the chicken coop or geese quarters, poultry can be entertaining and provide some form of companionship for your horse. As an added bonus, chickens have a keen taste for ticks. Having access to fresh eggs isn’t a bad perk either of investing in some of these feathered friends.
Llamas
Llamas can make great companions to horses, especially since they can share the same diet as your horse. These grazing animals making amazing field mates and are happy to share space with their equine friend.
Miniature Donkeys
Miniature donkeys can make great four-legged companions to your horse. These animals often eat the same feed as horses, helping your equine feel right at home. Depending on the size of the donkey, these animals can sometimes share the same stall as your horse.
There’s no denying that horses benefit greatly from spending time with other animals. If you can’t find another horse, the next best thing is any of these friendly non-equine friends. Remember that every horse is different, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to find the right friend for your trusty steed. Have fun searching for your horse’s best buddy.
