Is a cow a good companion for a horse? A drawback to using feathered friends is their dander, which can cause an allergic reaction in some horses. Horses are herd animals that typically do best with some form of companionship. 2 Turkoman. A great barn cat will keep rodents at bay, saving your grain, hay and even tack from the insatiable appetites and chewing of rodents. Are mini horses easy to care for? We may be getting another horse, but if not how about a goat, or a sheep? Many horses develop close bonds with the barn mascot dogs. These include the expected management, the ability for the animal to travel easily (such as keeping your horse company at shows), and the labor involved in the care of the companion by your farmsitter. To prevent serious injury to either your horse or the new companion, slow and supervised introductions should be the first step, according to Heilsberg. You can read about some exotic equine companions such as Jojo the monkey who accompanied the famed Seabiscuit on his travels from racetrack to racetrack. preservationist, so kangaroos, zebras, camels, water buffalo, wallabies and lemurs all live on his property. Small ruminants, with goats leading the list, are next in popularity as horse pals. However, if you have a horse who gets worked up by a barking, leaping dog, that same horse may be calmed by the quiet of a cat. Several non-equine animals can be good companions for horses including cows, donkeys, goats and even dogs. Others can be a menace; it depends on the species and your horse's personality. Goats also tend to get into mischief. They are not loners. The drawback is that dogs often prefer to be in the house with you more than being out in the barn with your horse! While some horses are only happy in the company of another equine, others thrive with friends of other species. “The key to any successful companion relationship is keeping everyone involved safe while adjustment to new social structures happens,” she says. While the old stories of goats eating tin cans aren't true, goats do eat a lot of unusual items. Goats and sheep are popular with home horsekeepers who are limited on space or funds. Many cats become quite close to their equine friends and vice versa. There are more common and reasonable choices however. “Similarly, many horse feeds may have toxic levels of minerals, such as copper, that are fine for horses, but not for goats and sheep.”. NON EQUINE COMPANIONS Some horse owners find that sheep or goats make good companions for horses. Not sure if your horse will bond well with his new roommate? Not everyone wants to deal with a donkey or a mule because they can be stubborn. Habitat for Horses has a variety of Companion Horses available at a low cost. Horses/Ponies/Mini Horses. A goat, donkey, alpaca/llama or some other four-legged creature (like a pot-bellied pig!) I have two goats and two horses. Chickens are known for eating insects and ticks, and guinea fowl and geese can be fantastic guard animals. After all, if the newcomer is to be his buddy, he should have a say. Costs start at $150.00/month. Poultry can also be multi purpose horse companions. Cats get attached to places as much as to other living beings and can't be counted on to hang at the trailer or around the stalls at a show site. Goats are popular because they are clever and cute. 4 Ardennes. Goats and sheep are popular with home horsekeepers who are limited on space or … A well behaved dog can accompany you on trail rides or ride in the carriage with you on drives. I have three acres of land for my horse, and was wondering what compainians you feel that they like best. © 2020 EquiMed, LLC. 8 Hungarian Halfbred. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Guinea fowl are also big tick eaters and can serve as sentry/alarm animals as well. Two of the horses were gored by buck goats and one by a nanny. All rights reserved. Having a horse is always a good excuse to go outside and get active! Depending on your barn set up they may share a stall or happily reside in a smaller space next to your horse's stall. The non-ridden equine can serve several purposes: a companion to a single ridden horse; to help manage an inseparable pair; to provide company for a youngster, an elderly horse, or another non-ridden horse; or simply to be kept as a pet. Chris Pepplitsch of Lexington, Ky., has a mini donkey. “Also remember to keep yourself safe from harm, and don’t be afraid to call in for reinforcements from a professional, such as a veterinarian or professional trainer.”. I have mini horses as companions to my Haflinger. If you’re looking for a BFF for your horse, consider taking on one of the following animals as companion animals for your horse. Watch the film Seabiscuit to see the consequences of this! As an added bonus, she keeps the place clean as can be and basically removes all pests because there’s nothing left for them to eat!”. Goats can travel with you and may be content to stay in the stall or the trailer while your horse participates in shows. “My pig Spoink came with me from a Thoroughbred training farm,” says Hillary Ramspacher of Lexington, Ky. “She’s the BEST stall-vice solution I have ever met, and I love having her in the barn. They can share a pasture so they graze contentedly side by side all day. 6 Dutch Warmblood. Adding a Pygmy goat seems like an easy solution until you have to deal with the caprine tendency to be escape artists. “Observe the interactions at first and have a backup plan or escape plan in case it doesn’t go well,” she says. Miniature Horses and donkeys can be excellent four-legged friends for a horse. Introducing horses to goats can be tricky. On cold nights you might find your barn cat curled up next to your horse in the straw. A companion for your horse doesn’t necessarily have to be another horse. They keep us fit. Separate stalls, pastures or pens sharing a common border such as a window or fence line may be an option to allow interaction without the danger of immediate physical contact. However soem horses can be very agressive towards sheep or goats and have been know to chase them out of their paddocks or kick them out ot their stables. Horses are social herd animals. All horses have been cleared medically and are up to date on vaccinations, dewormed and up to date on hoof care . “I panicked because I was afraid my reiner and hunt seat horses were next! Plus, it was also hard to keep them safe from the coyotes.”. Geese are known for their bug eating but they are also the poultry equivalent of a Rottweiler when it comes to watch dog tendencies. There is error while submitting your request. Heilsberg recommends working closely with your veterinarian and local cooperative extension professionals to make sure that your companion animals have the best health and management possible. Unless you’re a little person, have a little kid, like to be pulled in a cart or want a … Play a Radio. Miniature horses and miniature donkeys can be excellent companions for a lonely horse. Heilsberg mentions a few other factors to consider when searching for the perfect companion. While mini donkeys can’t be counted on to keep wild animals away, they often will bray a warning to alert you something is amiss. Chickens and geese can also be company for equines, but most feathered fowl don’t get attached to one particular horse. He also has retired racehorses, and they live in the same pasture as the zebra and camel.”. companions like goats, chickens or pigs. Just because a horse can no longer be ridden does not mean they do not enjoy human company or learning something new. Some horses are put off by donkeys and don't bond well. Choosing a companion will depend partly on your horse. Healthy Barn. A few good companions for a horse include the following: Another Horse A Donkey A Dog A Goat A Sheep It doesn’t hurt to try! While poultry do provide company for your horse, most poultry do not get attached to a special horse. Donkeys can serve as "guard animals" in some respects. A normal size donkey may help to keep stray dogs and wild canines off your property. If you want a great dual-purpose pet, think cat. But be careful with mini horses, my Haflinger chased a couple of my mini's around. Learn more about how to take care of companion animals for your horse, visit www.hobbyfarms.com. Chickens are known for their insatiable appetite for ticks. Foaled: 2004 Height: 17.2 Hands Breed/Sex: Percheron Mare Suitable for: Companion only - No riding Adoption Fee: $1 Personality: Gemma is a very sweet horse, but she does know her size, so she does best with a confident handler.Gemma is learning to stand well for the farrier with the help of clicker training and has made progress despite her severe string halt. I've seen goats, cows, donkeys and llamas. Donkeys often make great companions for horses. Smaller companion animals may be enticing as meals for wild animals, and goats in particular have a penchant for being escape artists. We refer to these areas as the Donkey Suites: [They have] overhead cover, complete with hay, fresh water, bedding, a salt block and a little pasture patch that’s approximately 25 feet by 25 feet. “One of my clients is an exotic animal collector and An additional perk? Playing a radio softly in your barn can help to break up the silence during the day. EquiMed does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As Jill said, a goat or other small animal will give them companionship, but another horse is really the best solution. Cats do not tend to make good travel companions however. Deb M. Eldredge, DVM is a Cornell graduate and horse lover from early childhood. I have a mare that charges my dogs so I knew she wouldn't like a goat. This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Practical Horseman. “Many feeds used for cattle, sheep and goats are toxic to horses,” she says. There are numerous adorable photos of a cat rubbing up to a horse while balancing on a fence post or winding between the legs of a steady horse while on the cross ties. “We stopped keeping goats after the one I had in high school leaped into my barrel racer’s stall and ate her tail to the hocks,” said Megan Arszman-Weisbrodt of Westfield, Ind. Dogs are great horse companions as long as your dog understands he is not to chase or nip at your horse. What Breeds Of Goats Are Best To Put With A Horse? They need less … Poultry may also leave you some wonderful eggs for your breakfast. Horses are herd animals. An added bonus? HVMS is horse software, and includes features such as appointment reminders, appointment scheduling, billing & invoicing, boarding management, image storage, inventory management, patient records, prescription management, and treatment plans. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Many horses do well with equids like other horses, mules or donkeys, says Heilsberg. Whether that is due to braying is not known. The Arabian breed is the horse for players who want the absolute best horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. You may have to try a couple of different animals to find just the right fit. Still, many horses are happy just to have the dog around at the barn for extra company when you are away. Copyright © 2021 EG Media Investments LLC. We use cookies to help personalize content, tailor and measure ads, and provide a safer experience. Drawbacks to poultry include their dander, which causes allergic reactions in some horses. Other equines aren’t the only possible companions for horses, although donkeys, minis, and ponies are quite common. EquiMed® and Horse Health Matters® are registered trademarks of EquiMed, LLC. Still, many horses simply enjoy watching chickens, ducks and geese and like having them around. A horse may live alone or may travel off by himself to events and competitions. My gelding was alone with a goat for months and they did good. Labrador Retriever: Reader Recommendation – The Labrador Retriever has been the AKC’s most popular dog for the past 20 years. Companion horses also make wonderful pets. “She’s also ‘motherly’ with the other mares. Many other animals make great companions for horses and can be cheaper and easier to keep. The solution is often to get a companion for your horse. They will require special feed and may need their own stall. “She’s a senior now, but still has the instinct to protect the area and keep it clear from predators,” says Pepplitsch. 5 Andalusian. The Top 5 Non-human Companions for Your Horse A dog as your horse's companion. That's where the companion horse comes in. He has his 'favorite' one that he hangs out with the most. There are multiple reasons why an additional equine might not be on the shopping list for those who keep their horses at home. Golden retrievers and other friendly, well-behaved dogs make excellent companions for some horses. Since horses are herd animals, most of them thrive better with a buddy that helps keep them socially engaged in activities throughout their day when you are not with them. Goats are another good companion but are expert houdinis - they can squeeze through the most unbelieveable spaces and are very prone to colic, and do not eat grass which is already trodden/grazed/manured on. In a perfect world your horse would have a lifelong group of equine buddies and never have to be by himself. Our experts will call you on your preferred time. “Even though there are many tales of horses being scared of, or aggressive toward, non-traditional companions such as pigs, there are just as many tales of unusual best friends,” says Heilsberg. Maybe a standard sized donkey would be best. Concerns that top the list generally include lack of space and lack of financial resources. If you choose a smaller buddy for your horse, reinforcing fences or installing wire at the bottom board may be a necessity to keep them fenced in and possible intruders out. Some horses handle that solitary life and travel just fine while others pine away or develop stable vices. Every-once-in-awhile a dog as a companion. They can be messy. A small goat can escape through even more places than a full size goat! A goat, donkey, calf or some other four legged creature (not a dog) could be a buddy for your horse. Companion horses also make wonderful pets. Because she’s with full-sized horses, we maintain areas that only she has access to when she feels intimidated or just needs a break. Donkeys are notoriously good guard animals. She was active in 4-H and Pony Club, riding mostly huntseat but also Western. They will eat the same foods and can stay in the same pastures. By navigating the site, you agree to the use of cookies to collect information. Bridget Heilsberg, DVM, owner of Crown 3 Equine Veterinary Services in Whitesboro, Texas, owns... Goats and Sheep. Just because a horse can no longer be ridden does not mean they do not enjoy human company or learning something new. As a rule of thumb, the more a companion horse looks like the horse(s) to whom it will be a companion; the less work you will have. While exotics might not be an option to keep your horse company, it’s a great reminder that a valued companion need not always be the most typical. The Lab’s friendly personality, easy-going attitude and high-energy make it an ideal breed for horse-lovers as well as families. These include ideal living habitat, nutritional needs, and parasite and disease control. In the real world, horses are sometimes alone. Last but not least are the "small equines." This behavior may be directed toward any new companion that’s introduced to your horse, regardless of the species.”. At Cornell she was a member of the Women's Polo team. All rights reserved. Please let us know a convenient time to call you on, (*All time slots are available in CDT zone.). As a species, donkeys tend to be lower-maintenance than horses — in fact, you might have such an easy keeper, you have to watch your donkey’s weight when the grass is lush. 1 Arabian. Your horse’s individual personality will help determine what the best choice for a companion will be. While most goats don’t live up to their eat-anything stereotype, it’s important to note that they may nibble things they shouldn’t, including tails of horses. You might get additional benefits such as fresh eggs or added security but you need to consider this an expense for your horse's mental well-being. “As a bonus, I’ve had no skunks, opossums, raccoons, coyotes or stray dogs anywhere near the barn since I got them!”. In addition to being less expensive than a full-sized horse, goats tend to help keep pastures healthy since they eat the weeds and brambles many horses won’t touch. He provides, either temporarily or permanently, the social benefits of belonging to a "herd." The pair competes in the hunters. She lives in upstate NY on a small farm with 3 elderly horses, 1 miniature horse and 2 donkeys as well as various other animals. She has competed in various horse show venues as well as competitive trail rides and small three day events. Donkeys and mules are usually a good fit and bond relatively quickly. “I see some really random patients because I’m mobile and willing to try almost anything,” Heilsberg says. Truly the best thing for your horse is to have another horse. This article on companion animals for horses originally appeared in the September 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe! Goats lead the list as small ruminant pals wince they share some of the same behavioral characteristics with horses and enjoy being part of a herd. There is the occasional problem of... Pony or miniature horse. It is less expensive than adding another horse and the psychological benefit to your horse is priceless! As fellow herbivores, they share some of the same behavioral characteristics with horses and also want a "herd". Miniature horses. You don't have to buy a lot of separate food or even arrange for a different veterinarian in many cases. Miniature horses and miniature donkeys should not be counted on as predator deterrents. In reality a horse is the best companion for a horse. Mini-donkeys are wonderful but they can tend to be little houdini's. Also, a dog adds a level of security - barking if a stranger approaches your horse or your area. … While they may not be “besties for the resties,” many horses typically enjoy watching the poultry in the barnyard. Best of Friends: Companion Animals for Your Horse Non-Traditional Friends. 3 Missouri Fox Trotter. How big should the horse stalls be …, 5 Tips: Winterize Your Barn to Keep Horses Healthy During …, The Top 5 Non-human Companions for Your Horse. If your horse is not scared of them, donkeys are good but both donkey and horse has to be wormed against lungworm as donkeys are prone to these and can pass them to horses. they can pick up all 4 feet, easy to catch, halter and lead, lunge and load in a trailer. However in the circumstance you can't afford one (as you mentioned) then yes, a Miniature is a good idea BUT I highly, highly suggest you find someone to let you borrow their miniature for a little while. “Remember that every horse is an individual, with individual preferences and fears,” says Heilsberg. Choosing the right companion horse or pony. 7 Mustang. could be a buddy for your horse. Providing a companion for your horse will mean some extra costs for feed and veterinary care plus possibly some extra fencing. I would see how your horse acknowledged your goat, if … I'm building a barn. Companions for horses Donkey or mule. You can find horses being comforted by all sorts of species, including dogs, cats, cows, sheep, goats, and camelids, like alpacas and llamas. Miniatures are popular as pets to all horse lovers. The top five equine companions are dogs, cats, goats and other small ruminants, poultry and small equines. “Remember that horses are herd animals, and while it may be nice to envision peaceful herds of wild horses grazing and moving together, reality is that the peaceful social structure is a result of a hierarchy that is established and maintained. They are also very protective and will generally fight off a predator that enters their paddock. A donkey makes a wonderful companion animal. Fandango would make an excellent companion for any gelding, he gets along well with his pasture mates and tends to be lower ranking. They generally eat the same food and sometimes can share a stall with their larger brethren. You have entered an incorrect email address! As she cares for a variety of animals, Heilsberg has some additional considerations when choosing a companion. Some horses, however, do better with nontraditional McDaniel doesn’t turn her donkeys out with her horses that have hind shoes (“because one kick would be bad!”). Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. The right goat can be the best companion for your horse if the situation works. Where there are a number of horses and ponies of different types, it may be best to have a couple of companion animals to ensure that no animal will ever be left completely alone. Horse riding … With regards to system requirements, HVMS is available as Windows software. Sheep and cows, especially small breed cows such as Dexters, can be excellent horse buddies. Thank you for choosing this service. This is a popular option for retired horses: The quiet setting of a private farm and a congenial equine friend can be an old campaigner's reward for a job well done. Please try again. The perfect match needs to be right on several levels. Based in Lexington, Ky., Sarah Coleman has a soft spot for chestnuts with chrome, including her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Chisholm. Micki McDaniel seconds the effectiveness of donkeys as both companions and protectors. Read our, ATTENTION CUSTOMERS: Orders and deliveries are temporarily affected by a technical issue, The magazine for people who are passionate about horses, Best of Friends: Companion Animals for Your Horse, February 2020 SmartPak SmartTip of the Month: Shopping for a Horse Joint Supplement, Ears First into Trouble: A Really Old Donkey Wreaks Havoc on the Farm. Some horses are perfectly happy living with other livestock. Jan 20, 2021 - Horses need companionship, but it doesn't have to be another horse. © 2015 by Thomas Lieser. “But even across the fence, they are great companions,” she says. I know three horses that died because their owners left goats with horns run with their horse. Dr. Eldredge is a national award winning writer from both the Cat Writers Association and the Dog Writers Association of America. She is a great companion animal and fairly low-maintenance.”. A companion for your horse doesn’t necessarily have to be another horse. Now busy with two young children, Dr. Goodrich still has a horse of her own—a Suffolk Punch draft horse—for whom she, too, is currently seeking a donkey companion. Fine most of the time, but squabbles over grain lead to the goats stabbing the horses. Companion horses can be a great way to provide needed socialization for your horse. They have … User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Deb M. Eldredge, DVM - 04/28/2017 they are simply part of the farm "neighborhood". The best companion for a horse depends entirely on the horse and the goat in question. Here are the 19 Horses Ranked In Red Dead Redemption 2 Ranked, Worst To Best. If the cannot be in the regular company of other horses a companion is quite good for them I have seen ponies and dogs from people that I know. If … They prefer to hold down the fort at the home barn. Dominant horses will bite, kick, charge and sometimes outright bully companions in an effort to move up in the hierarchy. A dog will generally stick around his home barn and some are even good about travel and staying at the tack stall or trailer at shows.
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