I can only keep one horse, how can I keep him happy?

4) One of the activities that horses do with each other is grooming

Not only is this good for removing dirt or parasites but they seem to create a bond with other horses when they are grooming each other. If your horse lives alone, make sure you groom them regularly, not only to clean them but also to mimic the behaviours of other horses. You may find that your horse starts to nibble your clothes at the same time!

5) If your horse lives on their own, it is likely that they will build a stronger connection with you than they might otherwise have done

Therefore, it is important that you spend time with them. One of the things that you could do is to train them to do different activities – clicker training can be very valuable and is a great way to teach your horse new skills and keep them interested.

6) Arrange to go for rides with other people

This enables your horse to socialise with other horses. It also gives you and your horse a change of scene from the usual rides.

7) If your horse is alone in the stable during the day, it may be helpful to leave the radio on

The noise may make the horse feel less alone and isolated; and they may find the music soothing.

8) Put a mirror up in your stable

When the horse looks in the mirror, they may think that they are sharing the stable with another horse and therefore feel less lonely.

Which horses are best suited to living alone?

Some horses will be better at being alone than others. Behaviours that indicate that your horse might be well suited to living alone include horses that:

Are happy to go for a hack on their own, leave the yard without shouting and looking for others, and don’t mind when their friends are taken from the paddock.Usually higher up in the pecking order, these horses may be more confident and less bothered about herd mates leaving them.Haven’t developed a strong bond with another horse in their field.Have had to endure a period of box rest, they have become used to being away from other horses for periods of time and if they managed that without too much stress it should be an indicator of how they will cope with living on their own.

Although horses usually prefer to live in a group, some horses can be fine living on their own; you just need to make sure you do everything that you can to ensure that all of their needs are met.

Remember, though, if your horse is struggling, make sure you discuss it with your vet, and consider a consultation with a qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist.