Foals Tinker and Peanut B at Rolleston rehoming centre

Choosing and caring for a companion horse

Before you choose a companion horse, you'll need to think about what's right for you and your existing herd.

A non-ridden horse can be useful in many ways. They can:  

  • be a companion to a single ridden horse
  • help manage an inseparable pair of horses
  • provide company for a young, elderly or other non-ridden horse
  • simply be kept as a pet

A companion horse can provide company and stability to your working horse, herd young or elderly horse. Most enjoy the social aspects of belonging to your herd, can join in with many activities and have a fulfilling and happy life.  

Note

The cost of keeping a non-ridden horse can be almost as much as for a ridden horse, especially as they grow older or if they need unexpected vet care. You should always consider the financial commitment when taking on a companion horse.

How to choose a companion horse

Before you choose a companion horse or pony, you’ll need to think carefully about what’s right for you and your existing herd. Consider your:

  • facilities
  • ability and knowledge
  • time
  • routine
  • your existing horse’s needs

The perfect match needs to be right on several levels. Your companion must suit the horse they are accompanying. But don’t forget your companion’s needs too. 

Note

Research has shown that horses need the company of other horses to fulfill their natural behaviours, such as mutual grooming and play. Other species (such as goats or sheep) are not suitable companions for a horse.  Also remember that the requirements of a donkey and their management needs are very different to a horse, so they will probably not make an ideal companion.

Does your horse or the prospective companion get on well with both genders? Would a mare coming into season cause problems?

A non-ridden companion horse may be any age. But remember that young and old horses have specific needs. An older companion can be a steadying influence on a youngster, but the young horse will need some play. The older horse may prefer more rest and may not appreciate being harried to play.

It’s far simpler if both horses are on similar feeding regimes – keeping both a fat and skinny horse together is hard work, and one is usually compromised. It is much less complicated to keep horses together which can stay out on the same pasture.

It's a common misconception that getting a small pony to keep a horse company is the easiest option as they are little. But this is not always the case and can lead to complications. Think about the practicalities of keeping a small pony and a large horse together (such as dietary needs, play and mutual grooming).

Think about your usual routine and how another horse will fit in. For example, do you stable at night? Your new horse will need to be relaxed about coming in and the spare stable must be big enough. Do you have a long walk from the field to the stable? If so, will one of your horses be OK being left behind, or could they be led together?

Time

How much time do you have? If you are short of time, a quiet street wise horse or pony will be best. Only take on a young or uneducated companion if you have time to educate them. Don’t let your heart rule your head – take on only what you know you can manage.

Riding schedule

If there are other horses around, a single companion to a ridden horse can work well. But you may need a stable or enclosed space to bring the companion into when you ride. Sometimes having a friend taken away from the field is very upsetting for a single companion. If they get worried, a stable and hay may minimise this. But your companion horse needs to feel safe and relaxed in the stable for this to work well. This will not work if the only time the companion goes into the stable is when they are left alone.

Medical care

If your pony has laminitis or sweet itch, then another with a similar condition will be relatively easy for you to manage. There are many of these horses desperately needing knowledgeable homes. 

Tip

It’s a good idea to find companions who are alike in as many ways as possible. It will make for a more harmonious equine relationship and be much easier for you to manage and enjoy.

Dealing with differences

With careful planning and thought, managing differences is not impossible. For example, if you have a native pony as a companion to a thoroughbred, you will need to bring the native off the grass for most of spring, summer and autumn. An enclosed yard or dry paddock with shelter works well. But if they cannot see each other and your companion pony is confined to a stable for much of the time, they may not enjoy a great quality of life. A small pony will enjoy a large stable, but you may need to adapt the door so that they can see out.

If one horse is fed in winter while turned out, you’ll need to plan a safe way of separating them at mealtimes so they can still see each other.

Routine care of a companion horse or pony

Attention and handling

Most horses are used to and enjoy regular human contact, particularly if they have recently retired from work. It’s important to make time each day to spend with your horse, giving them individual attention and any training they may need.  

It’s easy to cast an eye over horses in the field but never catch or handle them. A companion horse still needs to have routine care treatments. Without regular handling, a vet or farrier visit may be difficult. It’s essential for every horse to become accustomed to being caught, led, and handled by an equine specialist such as a vet or farrier.

Grooming

A non-ridden horse may not need the daily grooming of a ridden horse. But this one to one time spent with them is essential to build your bond, and they will most likely enjoy it. How often you need to groom will depend on the time of year (for example, you shouldn’t overgroom in winter if they’re living out). But a thorough daily check is still vital.

Hoof care

Most non-ridden horses will adapt to life without shoes. The exception may be thin soled Thoroughbred types, or those with lamanitic changes in the foot, if they must walk over stony ground. All horses will need regular hoof care (whether shod or not) and regular trimming by a professional to keep the hoof balanced and in good condition.  

More on hoof care

Dental care

Without attention, most horses develop sharp edges on their teeth which can cause ulcers on the tongue and cheeks. An annual teeth checkup and rasp by an experienced vet or qualified Equine Dental Technician will prevent this. It will also detect other problems such as abscesses and broken teeth.  

Horses between three and six years and over 15 may need more frequent treatment as there are more changes in the mouth at these ages.

More on dental care

Vaccinations

All horses should be vaccinated for flu and tetanus whether they are ridden or not. It’s a common misconception that those who never encounter strange horses or leave their field may not need influenza vaccination. But you should be guided by your vet on this.  

It’s important to remember that the flu virus is airborne and can be carried back by other horses and ponies who may be ridden out or travel to shows. Elderly horses are more vulnerable as their immune system weakens so they’re at a higher risk if unvaccinated.  

Annual boosters are also an ideal time for a health check because the vet should always assess the horse’s health before vaccinating. An annual check over will also give you peace of mind.

Nutrition

The most natural way to feed your companion horse is to provide all their needs through fibre feed (hay, haylage and grass or chaff feeds).

Unless you are struggling to keep weight on your horse, avoid cereal feeds (especially for native breeds). Remember bucket feeds of grains were introduced for hard working horses in the past, or those competing at a very high level.  We now know that a horse’s digestive system needs food little and often in the form of fibre. So, this should form the bulk of your companion horse's diet.

Vitamin and mineral imbalances can be easily resolved with supplements or balancers.

More on feeding your horse

Correct body condition

It is vital that you can recognise what is a good weight for your horses. For non-ridden companions, lack of exercise is most likely to cause problems of weight gain. Obesity is a growing problem and is a serious health risk to many horses. Common related problems are:  

  • laminitis
  • Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
  • insulin resistance (which is similar to human diabetes)  
  • early onset arthritis
  • wind and heart problems

Often, people think that getting a small native pony as a companion will be the easy answer, but you may be sentencing it to a life of disease if you are unprepared.

Natives, especially Shetlands, need a very careful grazing regime. Their systems have adapted to survive in the harshest climates. Because of this, the combination of milder climates, rich pasture with ryegrasses, rugging, stabling and, worst still, feeding concentrate feeds, creates a potentially lethal mix. You really can kill with misplaced kindness.

Loss of body condition can still be an issue, particularly with less hardy breeds such as thoroughbreds and Arabs. If your companion horse does unexpectedly lose condition, contact your vet for advice.

More on weighing your horse

Exercising your companion horse

Horses are designed to spend the majority of their day walking and grazing. So, most companions will need at least a full day or night of time in the pasture.

If body condition is not a problem for your companion horse, then 24-hour turnout is the most natural lifestyle. They should not be expected to live permanently in a stable except for short periods of time (such as if they’re sick, lame or in exceptionally bad weather conditions).  

Additional exercise is good for a companion horse, both mentally and physically. It can also be a useful tool for managing weight. What and how much they do will depend on their soundness, education and fitness.  

More on training and exercise

Leading out

Many horses enjoy a safe walk in company, either in-hand or led from another horse (if both horses are happy to do this). It’s a great education for young horses and provides good mental stimulation. It's also a great opportunity to experience different sights and smells.    

Make sure you choose a quiet and safe route. Avoid roads if possible unless you are sure your companion horse is used to traffic.  

Lunging and long-lining

It’s useful for most horses to understand how to be lunged. This is so the vet can assess soundness, or to help with weight management.

Remember that lunging is hard work on the joints of the horse. As some non-ridden companions are not ridden due to lameness, lunging would not be suitable or beneficial.

Other activities

There are lots of other activities you can try with your companion horse to enrich their day to day:

  • Your companion horse may enjoy some easy obstacles, such as navigating poles on the ground. This will engage them mentally but will also help to keep them supple.  
  • You could learn some simple stretches for your horse
  • If they are sound and happy to travel, they may enjoy taking part in some in-hand shows
  • You can add enrichment around the paddock to encourage movement and stimulate their senses. A good grazing system can naturally encourage the use of enrichment.
Page details

Reviewed

• 7 January 2025

Next review

• 7 January 2028

Approved by
Ruth Court

Horse Welfare Manager