[HeatherinCali]

Hi All,

I am wondering if I should get another horse?

I currently have a great quarter horse gelding that has returned from a stable and training. He had a lot of buddies and was locked up at night in a stall.

I'm trying to determine if he needs a buddy. Chip, my quarter horse, he seems to be really jumpy and slightly stressed at night. He's in a large field type enclosure with a 3 sided 16 X 12 shelter. I'm wondering if he is jumpy because he feels at the mercy of all the things that go bump in the night? Would he benefit with another horse, or goat or sheep? Am I just being silly?

Does anyone have any advise on how your single horse does without a buddy? Would it make him a better horse?

Thanks!

 

[arrowsaway]

Horses are herd animals, so they do get lonely and bored. Personally, I would never keep one alone. If you cannot afford another large horse, a miniature donkey or a goat would do just fine.

 

[boofa]

As stated above they our herd aniamls and do better in a herd..We had a goat yrs ago and did wonderful with the horses and dont cost as much,but you should becareful to make sure in the begining your horse wont hurt it..We had a couple horses try to play tug of war with baby calves..

 

[HeatherinCali]

That's what I kind of thought.

I am a little afraid of Chip hurting another animal, like a goat. He might do okay with a donkey?

I would love another horse, but I need to get the hubby on board with the idea.

Thanks!

 

[Ray MacDonald]

You could finding an old retired horse to share the pasture with him.

 

[TexasBlaze]

do you have the time, means, and money to have another horse? If so, then go ahead! I personally find it difficult to woirk two horses every day (and i have three project horses... go figure) soo if it werent for loving my girls soo much and them retraining so well i probably wouldnt have as many as i do. However if he's scared if definitally try to get him somebody else. A lot of racetracks use goats in the stalls to keep the racers company. Ive actually seen a horse with a "pet cat". Or donkeys or a pony would be fun! My horses like having cows. Pets cows. Yep. Not a herd. Just three specific babys that they watched me hand raise. If you DO get another animal make sure to introduce them slowly. Put the animal in a seperate pasture beside the horse. Then you can put the horse on a leadrope and let it meet the new animal in a controlled environment and go from there.
Good luck

 

[HeatherinCali]

Yep, we have the means, but the time is a different matter.

I need to think about it.

Thanks!

 

[HarleyWood]

my horse was fine with being a only horse but he did way better by getting another one. and when we lost his herd he got depressed and he lost weight and wasnt himself. when we got my other horse he was happier and now that we got another one he seems complete! you can get a goat or donkey and he should be fine.

 

[HeatherinCali]

I think I would rather get a goat(s). We have 3 acres that could really use some brush clearing.

However, I think he might hurt the goat trying to play, even with a slow introduction. He's not the most gentle creature. He's just a super dork.

 

[kitten_Val]

The person from my local forum keeps sheep as a companion for her horse. They even ride all together (the sheep is following the horse - I've seen pics ).

 

[pepperduck]

My horse was a only horse for a while when our other one passed away and you could really tell a difference in her attitude. She seemed depressed and was only really looking for attention. We had a goat already so we put her in with the horse and they got along so well. If we went on a trail ride the goat would sometimes come and tag along. We eventually got two other horses. One of the horses was fine but the other horse really abused the goat. We eventually had to separate them. So just keep an eye on them. The goats are really not expensive and can be really awesome pets. I would recommend trying to get one.

 

[HeatherinCali]

Yes, I think I will look for a goat. I don't think I would get a sheep, due to the shearing. I don't want to deal with that.

Hopefully, I can find a person who will let me test it out with the goat and my horse. It would really be a bummer to have to have a goat and a horse in different areas! It would defeat the purpose.

Any particular goat breed I should get? I'm assuming a larger one might be better?

 

[MySerenity]

I'd definitely agree that if you can handle another animal then it would be a good idea. I've had a couple of friends who have goats with their horses and it seemed to work out pretty well. I checked all the goats out at the state fair which was fun and the owners were very helpful. I looked into getting one for my mare too and I liked the Oberhasli. They are super cute.

 

[pepperduck]

Any particular goat breed I should get? I'm assuming a larger one might be better?

We have had Nubians and Boer goats and they were both great.

 

[tassinari]

We recently found a new home for our mare. (that was sad, but she is perfect for what they want. She wasn't working out for what I wanted to do) I was worried about our yearling gelding, he was so attatched to her. I won't be looking to buy another horse I can ride until next year. And having just him gives me more time to work with him and get him doing a lot better with ground manners before taining next year. So we decided on a mini horse for company. We got one the same age as him, and my lord are they cute together! I think Bolt is estatic to have another young horse to play tag with. I don't have to spend the time on a mini like I would with another bigger horse. He is a good little guy for my little boys to learn some horse things with also, man was it cute when my 2yo was leading him around! He cracks me up when he runs too, those little legs going. The stud at the place I got him came charging at me to defend his little harem, and that was just cute also. Took him forever to get to me! haha.

Anyway, just a plug for a mini companion. Maybe a little more work than a goat, and you do have to do their feet like any horse. But the cuteness makes up for the small added expense. We considered a goat as well, either would be better than your guy being alone.

 

[HeatherinCali]

Finally found a buddy for Chip!

Hey All,

So after searching the county for a mean enough goat, I found a perfect horse to keep Chip, my first horse, company! I think this will work out better than a goat. This is Sargent Pepper, if I loaded the picture correctly, a Paint Warmblood mix. We are so happy to add him to our four-legged family! He's totally bomb-proof broke for my husband and any people who visit us.

I'm sure I'll see a change in Chip for the better as soon as Sarge joins him on Saturday.

Thanks for all the wonderful advise!

Heather

 

[Country Woman]

Oh Heather what a beautiful companion for Chip

 

[HeatherinCali]

Thanks so much! I think Sarge is a nice solution to our little problem!

Heather

 

[Country Woman]

I love his markings
How tall is Sarge

 

[waresbear]

Beauty and now you & hubby can ride together.