Horses are prey animals, and living as part of a herd provides ‘safety in numbers’. Every horse should have a buddy who they can touch, or at the very least, that they can see. Horses are extremely social animals who learn about their world through other horses.
For example, have you ever noticed a group of horses in a pasture where some are sleeping, and others are standing? This is by design: horses are more comfortable lying down and resting when there are other horses keeping watch.
Photo by Arrowood Photography
Mutual grooming and play are other important behaviors for horses that cannot be achieved when a horse is living alone. According to the RSPCA;
“Mutual grooming [is] a very important behavior for horses. Areas that they cannot reach themselves can be scratched by the other horse. It is also a way of maintaining bonds among herd members. Horses regularly simply stand together in the shade, nose to tail during hot weather, using their tails to keep flies off each other. In cold, wet weather horses will stand in a sheltered spot together because their large bodies help to keep each other warm. Playing and running around together is another very important behaviour for horses of all ages.”
Photo by Arrowood Photography
Undesirable behaviors like cribbing or stall walking can also be eased with the presence of another horse around, even if it’s just over the fence.
Photo by Arrowood Photography
Montgomery Creek Ranch has a few horses available for adoption as “companion horses”. These mustangs are not suitable as riding horses. These horses have been gentled and love being with other horses and people. All have good personalities, do not require special vet care, and can keep up with other horses in a pasture. They can be a special friend to the horse you already have. Please consider adopting a companion horse today.
