Companion Animals

Companion Horse Companion Animal Welfare

The welfare needs of horses for companionship and the importance of appropriate companion animals.

Key Facts

Horses are social animals that suffer when kept in isolation without companions
Companion animals including other horses, donkeys, and goats can provide social welfare
Single horses in adjacent paddocks remain isolated and cannot perform social grooming
Companionship reduces stress hormones and stereotypic behaviour in horses
Human interaction does not substitute for equine or appropriate animal companionship

Welfare Considerations

Isolating horses without appropriate companions causes significant chronic welfare deficit, and provision of suitable companionship is a fundamental welfare responsibility.

What You Can Do

Never keep a horse without at least one appropriate companion animal
Consider a companion goat or donkey if a second horse is not feasible
Ensure companion animals have physical contact access rather than just visual contact