A man can quickly become a horse’s best companion and build a relationship comparable to humans and dogs. However, this kind of relationship is only possible if the horse has been appropriately trained. But, naturally, you can’t always be there for your horse, so do you need to get an animal companion for a horse?
And if you have to get one, what is a good companion animal for a horse?
This article will cover some of the best companion animals you can get for your horse.
Does a Horse Need a Companion Animal?
Getting another animal can be a huge responsibility, and it can become a burden if you don’t have enough time to take care of it.
So, is it really needed for your horse? Can it stay healthy and happy without a friend?
Well, horses can definitely survive without anyone near their side. Consider that they also have you as someone they can rely on. However, if you genuinely want to provide the best possible life for your horse, you’ll need to give them some kind of social interaction.
Being around a companion animal can help them stay relaxed and reduce their stress levels, ultimately improving their health. Better health then leads to improved physical performance and many other benefits.
Since you now know that you should get a friend for your horse, what is actually a good companion animal for a horse?
Let’s have a look at some of the best choices.
Donkeys
Donkeys are one of the best and most common picks for a horse’s companion animal for multiple reasons. And even though they are very different in some aspects, they still work together pretty well.
One of the main reasons people consider a donkey as their first choice is because of the potential relationship the two animals can build. It’s been proven time and time again that donkeys help horses stay stress-free and relaxed.
That’s not the only thing that will attract you to this option. You should also know that donkeys can be much easier on your wallet, especially when you compare them to the costs of maintaining a horse. You can imagine how expensive two or more horses can really be.
Donkeys are also much cheaper to buy, which is another huge plus.
Just make sure to feed the donkey little by little, but often. Weight and age also determine how much food the donkey will need.
Goats
This is another well-known thing among horse owners, carers, or sitters. The fact is that a goat is a great companion animal for a horse. Why?
Well, mainly because goats are harmless and quiet animals. They don’t require much attention from you or any other companion animals, but they can appreciate the presence of a horse.
Not only can a goat be beneficial for a horse, but it can also be helpful to you. Goats will graze for hours and hours on end, so it can help you keep your lawn/property clear from unwanted weeds or bushes. In addition, it’s one of the best ecologically-friendly ways to cut the grass on your property.
Cows
Like goats, cows are a good companion animal for horses primarily because of their calm nature and grazing habits. That’s one of the things a horse and a cow can bond through.
Thanks to the cow’s huge mass and stress-free lifestyle, a horse will most definitely feel safer around this kind of companion animal.
And, don’t forget that a cow can also be beneficial to you too.
Dogs
Dogs are a man’s best friend, but they can also be your animals’ best friends too. Dogs can be multipurpose simply because we can teach them anything, so getting them familiar with your horse shouldn’t be too difficult.
There are also tons of dog breeds that have been built to herd and protect livestock. Consider getting an Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, German Shepherd, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, or other.
We’re sure it will get along with your horse no matter which breed you choose.
Sheep
Sheep are known to get familiar with horses simply because they share a grazing diet, so you’ll probably see them out eating in the fields together.
Sheep can be a good option because they won’t try establishing dominance over other animals, especially your horse.
Final Words
Above, you’ll find five different companion animals for horses, so which one should you pick?
Well, whichever of these five you pick will be a good decision, but if you’re looking for a suggestion, consider getting a donkey.
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