Keeping a Horse Alone

Keeping a horse alone is very challenging job as there is a chance that when you come back and the stall might seem in a messed up condition. Horses usually get depressed and insecure if left alone for long time. A horse will have isolation by excessive whinnying or pacing the fence lines. It can cause stress to horse, which later on can lead to different ailments in horses such as ulcers, depression etc. the signs of stomach ulcers are loss of appetite, dull coat, behavioral problems and biting or kicking during girthing.

Horse needs someone to accompany them. If one can’t afford time for his horse than all he can provide is a company of some other animal to make him feel secure and comfortable. It should be kept in mind that the horses should enjoy the companionship of them. Donkeys, goats and llamas often make great companion. Company provides security, status, emotional support and entertainment to horses. Owner should make sure that their horse has good companionship. Horses are herd animals and perform best when they have a good companion. A lonely horse can flee and escape in search of company. The usual signs of lonely horse are:

• A lonely horse usually pace the fence lines and cries.
• They start excessive when stalled.
• The common signs of isolation are - Loss of appetite, dull coat, behavioral problems and biting or kicking during girthing.
• Joint and tendon damage.
• Riding can also put unnecessary strain on a horse’s legs.
• Ringbone can face some problem.
• Lameness can also happen if horse left alone for long period.

You can engage them by providing a tub that is always full of clean drinking water and hay to consume. You can also allow them to graze the pasture at times to get them engage. It would be good if you could provide them company to graze along with them. Horses usually feel affectionate when it hangs out with other animals. So you can provide them with the company of other animals to prevent such problems. If you are keeping your horse alone then make sure that nothing is scaring your horse. At times roaming dog packs, children or adults or other scary or threatening sights can cause your horse to flee and escape.

If other things won’t work, then you can provide your horse with herbal medication to make it feel more protected. One such conduct is Ignatia, which can be given to calm those experiencing separation anxieties. Owner can also consult veterinarian if all the above mentioned tips won’t work for his horse to avoid making him feel alone. If you are confused about which therapy to adopt then always consult your veterinarian. Loneliness is usually not accepted by horses. It's satisfactory for a small time, but your horse will not flourish if kept alone for a long time.