Like humans, horses need friends too
When we consider our personal world, how many things do we have in pairs or multiples? Cats, dogs, kids, friends, fish, vehicles, toys, equipment etc. Why more than one? We always have a good reason when we want/need something bad enough. We had one dog. He was lonely at times so we got another. After a few years, one died too young and we were heartbroken. Then came the puppy.
Then there are horses. Four years ago I thought my friends with mini’s were a little weird. I mean, what was the point of a mini horse? Sure they are cute but really? And then I got one. But he needed a friend his own size and the one I was training I’d fallen in love with but she had a foal. So then I had three. Four is such a nice round number isn’t it? And my original little guy needed another boy didn’t he? Yep. You guessed it, there are now four. (These are in addition to our four riding horses).
The justification I fall back on for the horses however is based on science, continuing research and the basic instincts and needs of horses for healthy minds and bodies.
Horses are social animals that are referred to as trickle feeders (because they graze upwards of 17 hours per day), with a need for continuous companionship, forage and movement. For the horse, the lack of any of these aspects increases the likelihood to be brought down by predators.
Horses form bonds generally in specific pairs. Such pairs can be seen grooming one another along the back and neck, swishing tails at one another for fly control and standing/sleeping/eating together.
Group bonding also takes place when more than two horses are present. Groups are important to the herd for strength in safety. Horses will remain in visual and scent range with the herd, despite breaking off into pairs. Solidarity of a group shows in group activities, such as grazing and the continuous movement that is required for healthy insides, rolling, snoozing and at play.
The entire herd contributes to danger alerts. When grazing, if something causes any herd member concern, head comes up, neck outstretched, eyes focus towards the concern, ears prick and chewing ceases – such body language alerts other members to be wary. At nap times, it is most common to see one horse acting as sentry over the others lying down. Every horse takes a turn to keep all safe.
Unless close to giving birth, horses will not normally isolate themselves from the others purposely, so this behaviour is considered abnormal. Other reasons for isolation are locoweed poisoning, injury preventing them from joining the herd or any lack in perception such as sight, especially in older horses.
When providing (or in) a boarding situation, or when creating space for horses at home, it is important to honour the horse’s herd needs. Horses kept in isolation from other horses are likely to show physiological and behavioural distress. Solitary horses often stand still a lot of the time with a depressed, sadness. They will not run around much and may begin to chew fence boards or develop other not-so-nice habits.
Sometimes a different species, like goats or donkeys, will help a horse maintain a healthy mind and body as they are also lively animals that will intrigue and motivate a horse to play, run and be inquisitive. Other animals may also be helpful with loneliness and feelings of security, but ultimately, a horse loves another horse to be social with.
Like us, horses need friends too. There are many companion horses that need homes and the love of caring owners and another horse.
Wendy Eagle guest lectures for the Equine Behaviour course at Equine Guelph, the faction for horses at Guelph University.
