We lost our gelding to colic last night. Our mare is calling sadly for him. These 2 have been home with us for 14 years, a herd of two. What can we do for our mare? I don’t necessarily want to buy another horse. Can she adjust and be happy alone? Any suggestions?
So very sorry for your loss.
Only time will tell if she adjusts or not. Some horses are just fine alone, some get very depressed and some anxious. Mourning the loss of her friend will take time (and yes, I do think horses mourn the loss of their pasture mates, even if they aren’t horses).
You might try a farm animal - goat would be my suggestion, They are easy keepers, full of personality, don’t require a lot of maintenance, and just fun to have around. A youngster would be better over a full grown goat. And you want a large breed goat, not a dwarf. But, not all horses will accept a farm buddy. How and the length of time to introduce are important. If you have any questions about goats, would be glad to answer them.
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Do you know anyone who might be able to loan you a goat or a mini?
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I had to put my old TB down awhile ago and my mare was then all alone. It took her about two days to adjust and then she was fine. My two were together close to ten years. She was alone for about three years before I moved her to a small barn with a few other horses. She became way too attached to the new horses and it sucked. She was so much better being the single horse and her stress level was non-existent (unlike now when they come and go).
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Depends on the horse. When my OTTB was all alone it took him a few days but I knew he would calm down and be ok for a while. He was. He was pretty sad though. Then I got another one but when we put the OTTB down I knew the other one would not be ok for ANY length of time alone- like raving maniac short term- so I arranged for him to be moved immediately.
So sorry you lost your boy. I would consider putting her on something for ulcers. I know there are horses that do OK alone, but if you can swing an easy going retiree or mini maybe consider that.
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So sorry for your loss. I hope it will be fine soon. Take care.
{{{HUGS}}} Sorry to hear about your boy & for your mare.
She may adjust, no timetable for how long.
If she starts to suffer physically I’d look into a companion.
Goats are great, but you do need to have good… make that GREAT… fencing to keep them in.
They will limbo under or jump over any sort of rail. No-climb might work.
Old Saying: If it won’t hold water, it won’t hold goats.
Sheep could be a solution, if you get a hair breed so no shearing needed.
But you’d need 2 as they are herd animals & horse might not suffice.
At least they would keep your pastures weed-free.
Even chickens can be company.
A mini or pony mule could work too, but the cost ends up being the same as a horse.
Maybe you could foster for a rescue that would cover some of the expense?
My TB was never alone for the first 20yrs of his life - bred to race, failed his speed test & worked as a pony at the track.Then came to me as a 6yo & was boarded for the next 15yrs.
When I brought him & his buddy home it turned out he could have cared less if he was Home Alone.
When I took the buddy away on weekend camping trips, farmsitters reported no anxious behavior.
OTOH, buddy was visibly upset when TB had to overnight at the vet.
Spent the night calling for him.
Maybe someone can loan you a retiree? A friend recently lost a horse and half a dozen people immediately offered to bring over a buddy. Or you could foster for a rescue.
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I am sorry for the loss of your horse. If all she is doing is calling and not wearing herself to a frazzle running around or refusing to eat or drink, then she may quiet down and be fine on her own. You will know pretty quickly.
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So sorry for your loss. I hope she is adjusting.
No advice - just that I’m so sorry you lost your boy and that your mare is upset.
If she’s not in a panic, give her a few days and I bet she’ll be ok. I had a herd-of-two and also had to euthanize one of them, and the remaining mare did just fine. I did acquire a new companion horse after a couple months,
While a goat buddy sounds easy in theory, they don’t always bond. My horses were TERRIFIED of the new goats for like 2 weeks-- and your solo horse doesn’t need that stress right now. Plus, most horse fencing will not keep a goat contained.
I’m sorry for your loss. Could you take her to a boarding facility for a short term and board her? Do you plan on getting another horse or would permanently boarding your mare be something worth considering?
If there is a good rescue near you, or your local animal shelter takes in horses and livestock, you might inquire about fostering a horse for them. I know the shelters in my rural area are always looking for people to take in horses and ponies for both short- and long-term fostering.
@gingerbread - how is your mare adjusting? Hope you are doing okay. Again, very sorry for your loss.
Thanks for all of your thoughtful answers. My mare seems to be doing ok. She is not frantic or refusing food or drink. She keeps looking around though, hoping her friend will return, and her body posture / energy seems depressed.But she is coping. I am very sad myself about this, having never lost a horse before. He was a big teddy bear, very loveable. I think I will wait and see on a companion. If I get one it will be equine, not another species …
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I’m so sorry for your loss…and hers too. 
I always had two goats with my horses. They required no care except for hoof trimming twice a year. This way when a horse came and went, The goats had each other. The horses all liked the goats. Both goats lived to be 16 which I heard is old for a goat. It worked out well that they both passed on before we sold the property. I now keep my daughter’s show horse at a stable, so I can ride him more. My husband got tired of being a ranch hand, so we moved to the coast.
