You have to be wary of just getting any horse or any pony to keep your single horse company though. I know that my Arabian show gelding was extremely jealous and protective of me (no, don't worry, it's not a case of Black Stallion-itis... Datona was a jealous snot lol). We had to be exceptionally careful not to turn him out with any other horses that I was spending a lot of time training or he would single them out, attack them, and literally run them into the ground. He also had a strong herding tendency even with the broodmares and foals... way too much testosterone or something.

I have also known of horses that -hate- ponies or will bully animals that are smaller than them. Of course, on the flip side, I've also known of several horses that teamed up with rather unlikely stablemates.... Our younger stallion, Foxfire, had a rooster that stayed with him and it wasn't uncommon to find this stray ginger cat either on the back of, or curled in the feed bin of Lesa, an exceptionally skittish mare that we owned.

Just make sure there is some companion ship, they are herd animals and need that constant companionship to sow their oats and give their opinions. They adapt well but need that input from others.

Just posted a question on the Barnyard forum about a mule as a companion animal since it's what I've heard about most. I was thinking I might need to look into that since I am not home as much as I'd like to be. I work 10-12 hours a day during the summer. However, my Great Dane is really fond of Temper so I'm not sure it's necessary. Thought you might want to watch that thread to see if someone has another idea.

Hi, My mare Saige is alone and has been since I got her.. she is just fine... but she can see other horses, there just not in with her...
I think only horses do ok.. depends on the horse....
she is not barn bound or if other horses arould dont fight to stay with them... she loves to go visit...
she is just nosey... lol

Another thought would be to check out some place in your area that rescues and then adopts horses.
We have a place near us that has rescues. A qualified person can get one of these horses for a lease of $25 dollars per year to an approved home (Theres certain criteria you have to meet). The horse is yours to lease only for as long as you want and if it dosent work then the rescue gets the horse back. You can never sell said horse as agreed in a contract. The rescue has the right to come and check out the horse as they feel the need.
Good way to get a couple horses and not spend alot of money to purchase them
Just a thought for you.

I'd just like to say I tried the goat thing and I'd say you might as well buy a pony or mini, a goat eats more! lol
Cathy C

Heres some food for thought. One horse might no be so bad nothing for the horse to get attatched to. No hollering and caring on when one leaves the property. Horses do quite well with just about anything once they adjust. I had a single horse for years and she was never herd bound or barn sour. Then when I finally got another horse it was no big deal when we left the property because she was fine going out alone. The only problem with horses is they are like chips you can't have just one.

I just sold several horses and am down to 1.She yelled out for her pasture buddies a few times after being alone but adapted quickly.I also share a fenceline with a neighbor so others are in view.Now when other horse riders come riding down the road she ignores them.Sometimes its best to keep a loner or horses seperated due to possible kicking and possible serious injuries.The horse will love all the attention you can give it and probably come running anytime it see's you aproaching for the attention.They make better lead horses that way also by getting use to going out without others.Ive done this quite a few times with the same results.