Creampuff is pretty content being by herself. However, horses get security from being in a herd. Have you considered adopting a donkey or a mini donkey? From what I understand, they're fairly low-maintenance and not as expensive as horses, but fill the role of a pasture mate.

But could I have just one? If my finances couldn't support 2, I would. But I'd be very likely to spend a lot of time with my horse to help keep it company, as opposed to letting it just hang out most of the day.

 

my horse is alone and he dosnt seem to mind! at least i hope he dosnt mind

 

I got my first horse when she had just turned 1yr old. She was an only horse for a year and a half, while that might not seem long, it was long enough for her to learn independence. I loved having JUST her because now I can go anywhere and do anything without any other horses and she doesn't mind!! I also feel like she really spent that time bonding with me instead of other horses because I tried really hard to be out there everyday working with her. I personally think that it can be good for horses to be alone for a while, but if your worried about it get her a goat companion or something!

 

I pray I never have to choose from my 10, which one to keep... but that is just because we love having them around.

 

I got a gelding that had never been by himself (he was about 3 when I got him), moved him to my friends house, and bought a goat because I though that he needed a buddy. Turns out he HATED that goat with a passion, the goat was noisier than all get out, hated the horse and would never shut up, sold the goat, and up until I had to put my horse down, he was happy as a clam by himself. I think it can definitely be done, they won't necessarily have all the security that being in a "herd" would give them, but as long as they get plenty of attention from their human, I think they are generally fine. Give him/her a couple of days to really settle down into being alone before deciding that he/her can't be alone if thats the case. Otherwise, good luck to you, and I hope that he/she does wonderfully as a lone horse.

 

Goat, sheep, or donkey make perfect companion for the horse too (may be something to consider). :wink: My local person keeps horse and sheep, and they ride together - all 3. I've seen the pics and they are absolutely hilarious!

 

thanks everyone for your stories, Goose is an independant horse. never has any trouble riding out alone and doesn't care when he is the one left behind, so he may do well alone. He is on our property so I spend time with him every day... so I will give him a little time to settle down, he has only hollered a couple of times, but is eating and acting normal otherwise.... so he may be just fine... I really love this horse... thanks for the stories of horses doing well alone.. I really needed that....

 

I definitely could. I know that if I had to choose between Gracie and High Five, I'd pick High Five. Both of them are very independent horses, and although turned out with other horses, they usually keep to themselves.

If I was stuck with only one, I'd make sure to spend even more time with it to keep it company.

 

When I first brought my boy, Ransom, home I had to keep him at a friends house (she used to have horses but got out of them and had an empty pasture) she did have a HUGE boer goat, and Ransom loved that goat more then anything, it was his best friend. When I was moving him to the new place, Ransom was very upset to have to leave the goat, but he had lots of other friends at the new place.

I would reccomend a goat (like a nubian, or large boer) they are great, and require very little maintenance .