Complete Guide to Caring for Your Companion Horse

Caring for a companion horse requires dedication to their physical health, comfort, and emotional wellbeing. Whether you've welcomed a retired horse or are considering becoming a guardian to one, understanding their unique needs will help you provide a rewarding and loving home.

Companion horses need almost as much care and attention as working horses to stay happy and healthy. This comprehensive guide will explore all aspects of companion horse care from choosing the right horse to daily routine maintenance and health checks.

Getting the Right Companion Horse

Choosing the right companion horse is vital to ensure harmony and wellbeing for both your current horse and their new friend. Consider factors such as size, breed, sex, temperament, and dietary needs. Older mares may require special attention if they come into season, which can affect their behaviour.

Companion horses serve valuable roles: they keep working horses company, help manage herd dynamics by separating inseparable pairings, calm young horses, and provide retired seniors with companionship in their golden years. However, it's important they get on well and that no bullying occurs so careful selection is key.

Finding a suitable match often involves observing the personalities of both horses and ensuring they enjoy each other’s company without stress or conflict. Older companion horses can be a calming influence on youngsters but may need protection from boisterous behaviour to prevent harassment.

Matching Dietary Needs

Aligning dietary requirements for both your companion and primary horses simplifies management and reduces stress. Horses classified as "good doers" maintain condition easily, while others may be prone to weight gain or require restricted diets.

Planning feeding schedules and paddock time to accommodate similar nutritional needs allows for joint turnout and ease of care. This steady routine benefits the horses’ health and your daily workload.

Key Questions to Consider

Before welcoming a companion horse, ask yourself:

• Will the companion cope when your primary horse is away for riding or events?
• Will they need to be brought in from the paddock together to maintain peace?
• Can the companion be comfortably left alone in a stable during your absence?

Thinking through these practicalities helps avoid surprises and ensures the companion horse’s emotional security.

Routine Care Requirements

Daily human interaction remains essential for companion horses, especially those used to working life. Regular grooming builds bonds and provides chances to check for injuries, while gentle handling keeps horses accustomed to necessary care such as farriery or veterinary visits.

• Grooming: Groom regularly to remove dirt and check skin condition, adjusting frequency by season. Outdoor horses usually require less frequent grooming in winter, but daily inspections still matter.
• Hoof Care: Even barefoot companion horses need routine trimming every eight weeks by a qualified farrier to prevent lameness and discomfort. Some may benefit from shoes depending on their feet and ground conditions.
• Dental Care: Older horses often suffer dental issues which can cause weight loss and illness if untreated. Annual or bi-annual visits from a horse dentist are crucial.
• Vaccinations: Companion horses still require annual vaccinations for tetanus and flu to protect against potentially fatal diseases.

Exercise and Turnout

Horses naturally spend most of their time walking and grazing, so ample turnout time is vital. Ideally, companion horses enjoy 24-hour turnout during favourable weather, which benefits their physical and mental wellbeing.

Companion horses do not thrive when stabled for long periods unless recovering from illness. When turnout is limited by poor weather, exercising in a riding arena or hand-walking are valuable alternatives.

If your companion horse accepts being led, walking alongside their primary horse can provide enrichment and strengthen their bond.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Maintain clean and comfortable stables if your companion horse is brought in at night or bad weather occurs. Regular cleaning of bedding and tack helps prevent infections and discomfort.

Provide adequate shelter, fresh water accessible at all times, and protection from insects during warmer seasons, including twice-daily application of fly spray or insect repellents.

Health Monitoring and Veterinary Care

Routine health checks by your vet help catch problems early. Monitor your horse’s weight, coat condition, lameness, and behaviour daily.

Arrange regular dental assessments and maintain vaccination schedules. Parasite control through strategic worming keeps horses healthy, particularly older animals prone to weakened immune systems.

Conclusion: Embracing Responsible Ownership

Caring for a companion horse is a rewarding commitment that offers an older or retired horse a happy and comfortable retirement. Matching your horses carefully, committing to daily care, and monitoring their health ensures longevity and contentment.

This guide aims to empower you with knowledge and confidence to provide the best life for your companion horse, celebrating the bond that enriches both animal and owner.