Is It Okay To Keep One Horse Alone?

I think it depends on the horse. We moved our horse about 3 weeks ago and she is now alone. Well, almost alone - the neighbors have 2 horses that she can visit with over the fence. I was very worried about her "loneliness" but it hasn't been an issue at all for her. She is relaxed and seems very happy. (Even more than when she was with her 2 stable mates - I'm still a bit shocked!) Sometimes the neighbor's take their horses trail riding for the day but Lily couldn't care less. A week or so ago I was on my way to see her and I saw the neighbors pulling into their driveway with their horse trailer. I was thinking I wouldn't be able to ride because she is probably dripping with sweat from running the fence and yelling for her buddies. Not the case. We got to the barn the same time as the neighbors and they were putting their horses in the pasture. Lily was cool and calm. The horses came running to the fence and whinnying for Lily. Lily looked at them like "yeah, I see you but my people are here so we'll catch up another time" and whinned to us in return! She would rather see us and wasn't bothered a bit by being alone.

Like I said - I think it all depends on the horse. Lily is an Arabian and she is a total people horse. I now believe that she prefers people to other horses. She has made this move beautifully. One thing we have done to help her with the transition is to spend a lot of time with her. We have been very committed to that. The first few days we scheduled time for her - like 4-6 hours a day!! We have had picnics next to her paddock, read books next to her stall, lots of hand grazing, ground work, grooming, riding, etc.. It sure has made all the difference in the world!

Best of luck to you!

I'm going to be the oddball here and say it's totally okay for them to be alone. Yes, they're herd animals, but it won't kill them to be by themselves. It typically creates a better bond between horse and owner. Ricci has been by herself most of her life, and she's perfectly happy and healthy. I see her twice a day, and I typically spend two to five hours with her a day. If you were to have a horse sit in a pasture by itself and you didn't bother to play with it, then yes, your horse would get upset. It was pretty easy to keep Ricci happy and stimulated though, and she never minded not having a "friend."

I have been on both sides of the fence on this one; with some horses, it is better to have some sort of companion. With others, they get along fine without one. I have always had a goat or two, as there have been times when my horse was boarded alone. He was perfectly fine having the goats as his companions. They never chewed on his mane or tail either. I think that goats do that more because they are lacking something.

My current horse could care less about other horses, really; you can put him in with anyone, and he'll just amble off in the other direction...he would probably do fine as a single horse.

Thank you

I agree with Riosdad on this one, horses are herd animals, but that doesn't mean he won't do fine without another around. Then again aren't dogs strong pack animals? That is why they bond with families so easily. Your horse will be alone, and not used to it. What I feel you should consider is that he's already created a bond with another horse, and by splitting them up... it might cause "depression" in your gelding :(

I opt for a goat too!

Just MO..

My two horses are seperated from each other (I'm trying to halter train the weanling) but they get to see each other. They also get to see/hear the other thoroughbreds around the farm.

My horse would rather be alone. Its weired but she doesnt like other horses.

I would never keep a horse alone, my horses buddy went to work with his owner for tuesday wednesday and all of thursday, and all cutter did those 3 days was call for his buddy and pace the sides of his paddock. I deffinitly think they need a friend. Even if its just a goat or sheep or mini horse

Wow? Really! Mine seem very content. They must be odd horses.

The weird thing is, my horse was gelded at age 9 is very territorial, HATES other horses (will litterally chase them) but he just loves jesse. Idk why lol