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  Discussion on Should I get my mare a companion??
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New Member:
unity

Posted on Monday, Aug 20, 2007 - 4:58 pm:

I brought my 5year old mare home last month. She'd been boarded with several other horses for 3 years. She does not seem to be lonely; but she does get very excited when my neighbor and I ride our horses together....she whinnies at/for the other horse when she hears/smells her coming down our road. Other than that, she doesn't seem unhappy. BUT, I know that horses are herd animals and very social. Would it be in her best interest to acquire a companion horse for her? Do mares do better with mares? Or geldings with mares?
I am contemplating buying a 15-year old mare (and the owner said she'd include her 20-year old brother for $200. more). The owner said that she and her brother are pretty close (in a group of 4 horses).
Would this be too much for my mare to handle? Would she be better off alone? Is this something to consider? (the mare and her brother (gelding).
Please help! I've only had my own horse for a year and though I've learned alot (especially from this board), I'm by no means an expert. I just want to do right by my horse. Also, we live in the northern part of minnesota, where winters can be brutally cold!)
Thanks!
Member:
hwood

Posted on Monday, Aug 20, 2007 - 6:09 pm:

Yep, Mary, that's how it starts . . . First, we get one horse because all we every wanted was to have ONE horse . . . and then, somehow, we end up with more!!! They multiply!

So . . . beware. There is no such thing as a free horse or even a 200 dollar horse. Questions to ask yourself before taking on extra equines:
1. Can I afford to feed and house them all?
2. Can I afford to trim and/or shoe them all? (Easy if you do it yourself, but it still takes time.)
3. Can I afford vet care (vaccinations, dental) for them all?
4. If they each need exercise, will I be able to provide what they need?
5. Is there a friend who might want to use one of the horses and help with the expenses?
6. What do I do if my mare becomes odd man out and gets beat up by the other two horses?
7. On brutally cold, icy, windy, sleety, mornings, will I be willing to go and feed, break ice, fill water troughs, clean stalls? . . . and then do it again at night in the dark?

I bet most of the people on this board have answered "yes" to all of these questions . . . Don't ask us why, because we don't have logical answers . . . It's all for love . . . But it isn't easy.
Member:
jojo15

Posted on Monday, Aug 20, 2007 - 10:26 pm:

oooh... tough one.. Firstly. only a year's experience? or only a year owning this horse? but you have lots of horse experience? lots of land? so you don't have all kinds of extra work for yourself?

Owning one on your property Ok easy enough. but add 2 more you really don't know and wham you've got all sorts of things to worry about. if you're up to the challenge then sure why not? if you haven't a clue on what might transpire? i would wait and get her a barn cat to hang with.

keep in mind you are now going to be splitting all your time you had with your one horse, into 3 horses. So really its not in your horses best interest to get her another. if you are out riding her and socializing her regularily than i wouldn't think this would cause any undue strain on her. But, bringing in other horses could cause undue strain on you.
Member:
nisquy

Posted on Monday, Aug 20, 2007 - 10:58 pm:

More than anything else, horses love to be with other horses. A horse alone, to me, is sad. I think 3 is a very good number because you can take one out and not have somebody alone in the pasture. Also, I have found the best situation when having mares and geldings together is to have two mares and one gelding. So I think it's a great idea!
Member:
gwen

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 7:33 am:

All I have to add is in my experience, I have found that going from two to three is a BIG difference! Can you have her visit your neighbor's horses? Or have them over a few times a week for some visits? Maybe that would make her sad and realize what she doesn't have though... hmmm
Member:
canter

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 7:53 am:

Rather than another horse, some people will get a goat to keep a lonely horse company. From my understanding, they are more economical and easier to keep. I know nothing of goats (except that they are so cute and I want one!), but if the idea interests you, do a little research to see if a goat is the right companion for you and your horse.
Member:
cheryl

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 8:58 am:

Mary I can add my experience - I wouldn't go back to three horses on a bet. We lost our TB mare two months ago. This left us with two. There is a huge hole where Lady use to be and I miss her horribly - but - The expense of the third horse is gone. It takes way less time to take care of two horses than it does three and I actually have time to ride now - what a novel concept:-) Horses ARE social animals - but it has to be the right combination of horses. Having two horses that don't get along is a real pain - that is my problem right now and it's not a fun problem to deal with. Checking out a goat is a really good idea. If you have time for two horses and can afford the added cost go for it - just be prepared for the amount of time required to take care of them to increase times four.
Cheryl K
Member:
hwood

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 9:56 am:

I've had goats and sheep, (turkeys, chickens, rabbits) and the only thing you have to have with the goat is a good fence. Woven wire is the only thing I can think that will keep one in, and even then, a goat will climb a fence to get to trees or weeds . . .
If you can do the safe fencing for the horse AND the goat, it may be a solution. You will also have to have the goat's hooves trimmed . . . and I can't remember if goats can eat horse feed . . . I do know that I had to be careful to either NOT let my horses get the sheep feed or NOT let the sheep get the horse feed (I think it was the latter) due to the copper content. Some other members who have goats and horses can answer the feed question better.
Member:
paardex

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 11:36 am:

Believe me good chance you will end up feeling goat AND horse are lonely so you take on more goats and horses to fix this problems[that's what happened with me]
For me it would be out of the question to keep just one horse at home but my horses don't work much so they have to do something else.
Three is in my opinion easier then two because if you just take one you need to make sure this horse stays quietly at home if you go for a ride.
If you have a lot of grass don't go for a horse who gets fat easily[Read Hank's Weight Watchers diet for instance]If you don't have to much grass think about for instance two little ponies[even wheaned foals will do and they are usually cheap, well over here]
If you take the brother and sister insist on trying the three together to see if they accept yours fairly easy.Ask if you want to take one of the two for a ride the other stays behind quietly.[and try it if possible] Remember usually if someone gives you a horse almost for free they will have problems which can be more expensive then buying a young one[you will have read enough posts on this subject on this board]
And after that if you are like me you will have decided which option is suitable and sensible and DO something perfectly stupid like taking on a horse who is not suitable because "he looked lonely or sick or stressed or whatever'and be happy ever after with your horse virus.
Jos
Member:
boomer

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 1:23 pm:

I wouldn't have a lone horse, ever. They are herd animals and it's not natural for them to be alone except cast outs or a young stallion in the process of getting his own band. I see a horse all alone day after day down the street and Kathleen (the horses name) looks forlorn and depressed. We walk by with one of the horses and she perks right up comes running with bright eyes. It's so sad. I think the biggest expense is of course the Vet if there is a major illness or injury and hay or feed. Which really depending where you live isn't that much of an increase..
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 1:33 pm:

Why not wait until Spring and see what you think? Yes, horses are happiest with buddies, but your sanity and finances matter (to your horse, and independent of your horse).

Just a few more thoughts:

- people rarely fire sale horses that are useful and problem-free; remember that this owner is solving a problem by selling these horses, and it would be good to know what that was.
- even honest well-meaning folks can only share what they have noticed, understood, and think is important about the horse they give you
- Cheap horses do not get discount vet care or feed
- the first cheap horses you find may just mean you should keep looking. I have several horses that can easily be left solo while their buddies go for a ride-- might be worth looking for one of those (heck, I have a blind gelding I could stick in a USPS mailer and send to you!)

And lastly, every older horse you take on is one more beloved soul that you will nurse through its decline, and it's one more sad lead rope you have to hold. I have rescued several old horses, and have the humps in my pastures to prove it.

I also went from 1 horse to 13, so I know that we suit ourselves and get sicker as we go!
Member:
mcbizz

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 2:14 pm:

Mary, I understand your quandary totally! I lost my beloved Mustang gelding in early April and went through so many conflicts about what to do, for myself and for my Arabian gelding. At first, another horse was out of the question. After two months, my remaining horse seemed more and more "alone" and the empty spot I felt didn't get any smaller.
I tried to find a pony companion for Bizmarkk, but couldn't find an affordable one. A friend told me about an Equine Rescue not that far away, they had an 8 year old Mustang, raised from a baby, as I had raised mine. I went to see him, was very impressed, and two weeks later he was delivered. Nice thing about this was if it didn't work out for one reason or another, the contract gives the rescue right of first refusal; they would want him back.
Well, he has been with us for over two months and it is working out beautifully. He has certainly helped my despair and the two geldings are like bookends in the corral. Maybe you could find an open ended situation, where if it doesn't work, the horse could be returned. Or, could you board a horse? Best of luck to you...
Member:
leilani

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 3:49 pm:

I attended a clinic a couple years back with Dr. Miller as a speaker. He talked about traveling all around the world, the different cultures, breeds, etc. Then he told us of a setting that was repeated over and over - a horse standing alone. It just made him so sad. It quieted the crowd.
New Member:
kittycat

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 4:14 pm:

Mary-I have a wonderful old Standardbred which we cannot use for lessons anymore. He does crib but not with his collar on. Where are you located? Ann
Member:
leilani

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 4:19 pm:

And another thought: I was told by a cowboy years ago that the cheapest thing you'll ever buy is the horse.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 5:00 pm:

I agree--a lone horse is a sad sight and makes my heart ache. I'd check into the rescues in your area. They will have horses that are suitable for companion only and others that are sound and rideable. A reputable rescue will work with you and your situation and abilities to find a match that works. If you can find one close to you, you can probably work out a probationary situation. There are so many horses in need of homes that even useful horses are cheap. It's very true though that the initial expense of the horse is probably not going to be as great as the maintenance over the years! If you have pasture, a pony might not be a good idea unless you are willing to monitor and manage turnout. That said, ponies are hardy and don't require much feed to stay healthy. I don't include minis in this statement as I don't know enough about them, but my vet says they have unique problems. I got a shetland (around here almost no ones BUYS a pony because people just keep giving them away as the childhood fantasy of a pony fades). We love her, she's very fun, smart and I've taught her to drive which has intrigued my non horsey husband. She did come with some attitude as most pony's that have been handled by children do, but it took no time to overcome that. One caveat: If you get a pony, try to find a pony that has not foundered, and then learn all about founder, how to prevent it, etc., as they are VERY susceptible to that. I absolutely love my girl (you can see her picture on the "Pictures of Horses" thread--Willow. She spends her time when the horses are in the dry lot as close as she can get to my paint gelding and loves to stand with her head under his tail-- keeping flies away I guess. Fortunately, he is the most tolerant horse I've ever known and doesn't seem to mind how close she gets or where!
Member:
unity

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 5:19 pm:

Wow, thanks everyone!!!
Here's the update: I took a friend back to the place with the Arabian mare, and the owner tried to put a bit on her and she refused to open her mouth. Finally, she got the bit in, but the poor thing just "mouthed" it constantly. Once the bit was finally in, the owner attempted to put a saddle on but the horse resisted so much we gave it up. Unfortunately, though my heart wanted to rescue this horse and her brother, my head (and my friend) said "no". I just don't know enough, nor have the time, to re-train a horse to the saddle and bit. I did send an email to the local equine rescue to share my concerns.
On the up side, I did purchase a beautiful, gentle, well-trained, very calm quarter horse yesterday. I am hoping to bring her home this weekend, and introduce her to my other horse. I plan to keep them separated for a week (?) so they adjust to each other. I am a little worried about this "buddy sour" thing.....but that's another topic, isn't it!!
I do feel better knowing my horse will have a buddy...I know she'd survive alone, but I just sense she is lonely.
Thanks again!! You guys are great!!!
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 10:33 pm:

Awesome choice Mary. I should bring you along with me on my crazy rescue runs.

You can probably avoid the buddy sour thing-- just make sure that each horse gets plenty of rewarding time with you, and that the "left behind" one has something to eat. If you start separating them right away and do it consistently, you should all do great.
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