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Q2) What types of animals make good
equine companions?
Horses- The ideal companion for
your horse is, of course, another horse. You might say that you are not willing
to make the investment of purchasing another horse.
Remember however, that you are not looking for a horse that can jump grand prix,
cut cows competitively or win 1st place at the local 4-H show. You need a horse
whose main function is to keep your horse company. Because of the low
expectations of the companion horse it is often possible to find a "pasture
ornament" for free. There are many horse owner's out there looking for good
retirement homes for their much loved horses. People retire their horses for a
number of different reasons, sometimes old age, sometimes irreversible injuries
have occurred, and sometimes they've purchased a new horse and just don't have
the time or
room for their "old faithful" anymore. Whatever the case,
chances are if
you can show that you will provide a safe, quiet, and loving retirement home,
there will most likely be no need for money to be exchanged. One wonderful way
to find a companion equine for your horse and do a good deed at the same
time, is to contact one of the many wonderful adoption programs throughout the
country. Although there is often a small adoption fee, there are many
ex-racehorses or rescued horses that need homes but unfortunately are not high
functioning due to past injuries or neglect.
Ponies- For medium size ponies the info is pretty much
the same as above. The additional consideration is whether or not you are
prepared to deal with the pony personality. It is well known that although their
bodies are smaller, their intellect is can be unfathomable. Ponies are sometimes
known to be escape artists, outwitting even the most complicated gate latches
and locks. It is often observed that in a domestic herd of horses containing
only one pony, the pony is the herd leader. This attribute can be a big plus for
your horse if he happens to have confidence issues. Not only will a friendship
be formed but your horse will experience the feelings of safety associated with
having a strong leader. The other pony option is going with a miniature, thereby
cutting back on the amount of feed and hay necessary. In fact the American
Miniature Horse Association states that the approximate amount spent to feed a
miniature horse is only $25 per month.
Goats- Not only are they cute but their
upkeep costs are also quite low as well. Many horse owners have found that if it is not
possible or feasible to obtain another horse or even a pony as a companion
animal that there are a variety of different goat breeds that seem to get along
well and bond easily with horses. The only problem with goats is that they seem
to be addictive and more than one horse owner has found themselves with a
paddock full of goats and only one horse. Goat prices can range anywhere from
"free to a good home" to over $500. However, it is important to
remember that goats are not horses and although you may be experienced in horse
care you must do some research on goat care to provide an appropriate home for
your new goat. And if you're lucky, you might even get a little milk out of the
deal!
Other- Although it is hard to believe that
a cat, chicken or dog could make any kind of a companion to a horse, there are stories in which this has been the case. However, don't assume that
because a cat hangs around the barn 3 times a week that it is acting as a
companion. You could consider one of these animals a companion if they spend
literally almost 24 hours a day with your horse, whether it be in his stall or
in the pasture. If this is not the case, it would be good to consider one of the
options discussed above.
It is also important to consider that we all have
different personalities, whether we are talking about horses, goats, ponies,
cats, chickens or people. This means that we cannot assume that any combination
of the above will automatically produce an ideal, lasting friendship. Always be
very careful when introducing animals to each other, do not assume that they
will instantly become best buddies. Sometimes they will, and sometimes it will
take a while, but there are also some situations where severe injuries and death
are not an impossibility. So be careful, use common sense and above all be glad
that you are improving the lives of your animals.
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