Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Equine Companion Animals

Companion horses and ponies have specific welfare needs around social contact, forage, and exercise that owners must understand to provide good welfare.

Key Facts

Horses are highly social animals and must have constant companionship to avoid stereotypies
Horses require 16-18 hours of foraging per day - ad libitum forage is essential
Stabling without adequate exercise and social contact causes significant welfare problems
Obesity in companion horses causes laminitis, a severely painful condition
Companion donkeys have different nutritional needs to horses and require separate management

Welfare Considerations

Companion equines have complex welfare needs that require time, knowledge, and resources. Ensuring social contact, forage access, and appropriate exercise prevents significant suffering.

What You Can Do

Never keep horses or ponies without appropriate companionship
Provide ad libitum forage to prevent boredom and stereotypies
Seek specialist veterinary advice for companion equine health management