Make sure your horse has appropriate company 

Please note that the term ‘horse’ is used on this page, but the information applies to both horses and ponies.

Facts

• Horses are social animals and have a strong need to have the company of other horses.
   
• Horses form close friendships with other individuals, and may become distressed if these companions are removed.
   
• Horses which are isolated from other horses can experience high levels of stress which can lead to the development of abnormal behaviour.
   
• Unfamiliar horses may squeal at, threaten, bite or kick each other when first introduced.

Things you should do

• Horses should not be housed alone in individual paddocks or pens, as this prevents the performance of social behaviour.
   
• Horses should be allowed as much time as possible in paddocks interacting freely with other horses.
   
• Stabling should be designed with partitions which allow horses to see and interact with their neighbours, including allowing them to put their heads over stable doors. Horses which do not get on well with each other should not be stabled next to each other.
   
• To minimise aggression, horses should be kept in the same groups each time they are let out into paddocks.
   
• Where it is necessary to introduce new horses into groups, they should be carefully observed to ensure that they do not receive excessive aggression. Each horse should be able to access water, food and shelter at all times. Sufficient space should be available to allow horses to get away from others and avoid being cornered. The whole group should be checked for signs of injury more frequently than normal.