Horses are highly social animals for whom isolation causes significant distress. Understanding equine social needs helps owners provide appropriate companionship even in challenging circumstances.
Social isolation is one of the most significant welfare problems for horses and is often underappreciated. Horses kept alone without equine companionship experience chronic stress from the loss of the social context that is fundamental to their evolved psychology as prey animals. The distress of isolation manifests as separation anxiety when companions leave, stereotypic behaviors, and chronic hypervigilance. Even horses that appear calm when isolated show physiological stress indicators suggesting hidden suffering. The welfare case for social housing of horses is compelling and should inform management decisions whenever possible.