Horse Companion Animals and Welfare

Horses are highly social animals that benefit from appropriate companionship, with companion animals including donkeys, goats, and other horses providing important social welfare support.

Key Facts

Horses are social animals that show elevated stress hormones when isolated from conspecifics.
Solitary housing causes measurable increases in cortisol and stereotypic behaviour in horses.
Donkeys, miniature horses, and goats are commonly used as companions for single-horse households.
Cross-species companionships can work but do not fully substitute for equine social partners.
Horses form strong selective social bonds with preferred companions that persist over years.

Welfare Considerations

Social isolation is a significant and preventable welfare problem for horses and ponies. The sight, sound, and smell of other horses reduces stress, and physical contact with bonded companions is strongly preferred. Where equine companions are not possible, donkeys or goats provide partial social welfare benefit. The separation of bonded pairs for management purposes causes acute distress requiring careful handling. Recognising and respecting established social bonds is an important component of equine welfare management.

What You Can Do

Ensure your horse has at least one compatible companion, ideally of the same species.
Never leave a horse in complete isolation from other animals for extended periods.
Manage separation of bonded pairs carefully, using gradual distance increase to reduce distress.
Provide visual and olfactory contact with other horses even when physical contact is not possible.
Consider a donkey or suitable goat as companion if equine company is not feasible for your situation.