Yes, calming goats are a thing!
Many horse owners have seen first-hand how effective a calming goat can be in reducing stress and anxiety in their horses. So, what’s the deal? Why do goats calm horses? The reason is as surprising as it is simple and comes down to basic psychology. Curious? Let’s dive in.
Are Calming Goats Real?
Yes, calming goats are a real thing. For a long time, farmers have used goats to calm other more aggressive animals like bulls. The presence of goats has a way of mellowing out other animals around them. So it only makes sense to use this technique on horses.
So much so that there are now companies that will rent out goats to calm horses at events like races, rodeos, and competitions. (Did I say rent goats? Yes, renting goats is a thing too. Here’s an interesting article on the topic in Forbes magazine in case you’re interested.)
Coming back to goats and horses … the calming presence of the goat has been shown to help horses focus and perform better. Goats have even been used to help soothe horses post-injury as they recover in rehabilitation centers.
To take this further, when racehorse owners need to take their horses over long distances, some take goats with them. The goats not only help the horses stay calm during the travel, but they also help create a calming environment that makes it easier for the horses to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings when they reach their destination.
Why Do Goats Calm Horses?
The reason why goats have this effect on horses is due to their social nature. Horses are herd animals and need company. Being social creatures they thrive in the company of others. Goats provide that social interaction without being overwhelming.
Horses can get easily stressed in new environments and situations. They can easily get depressed and lonely. This can lead to stress and trigger illnesses.
The soothing presence of a goat can help to ease those nerves and make the horse feel more comfortable. This is one of the reasons why horses like goats and appreciate their company.
The idea is that by placing a goat in the horse’s stall or paddock, the horse will become more relaxed and less stressed. This, in turn, can lead to a host of benefits such as improved behavior, increased appetite, and even better sleep.
So why does this work?
It all comes down to basic psychology. Horses need companionship. And if that companionship can be non-competitive in nature, all the better. Goats satisfy that need for companionship without posing a threat to the horse’s sense of dominance.
Furthermore, goats are generally calm animals. And this calmness can be contagious. We humans react the same way too. When we see something that we perceive as being calm, it has a calming effect on us as well. This is why looking at pictures of nature or listening to calming music can help to reduce stress levels.
The same principle applies to horses and goats. When a horse sees a calm goat, it has a calming effect on the horse as well. This is why goats are so effective at reducing stress in horses.
So, why do goats calm horses? In three words – non-competitive, calm companionship.
Should you deliberately pair horses and goats?
If you have the choice you should try and provide goats as companions for your horses. There are other benefits to be had with this arrangement.
First of all, goats are a cheaper form of companionship than say, getting another horse. Goats take less space, are easier to transport and easier to maintain. Unlike horses, goats do not need costly food or nutrition other than when they are pregnant or nursing.
Also, goats pretty much eat anything and often they will eat food that horses will not touch. So you can leave your horses and your goats to graze in the same fields. If the horses eat the grass, the goats will be content with the weeds. It’s a win-win situation!
How long does it take a goat to calm a horse?
This really depends on the horse, how skittish it is and how badly it needs company. We have seen goats and horses connecting within hours and sometimes it takes as much as a week. Each horse has its personality and each goat has its own way of interacting with the horse. It also depends on why the horse is agitated and the fears that the horse is exhibiting.
Also, remember that not all goats are ideally suited as calming goats. It’s best to avoid putting small goats or babies. First, they may not provide the necessary companionship effect that you are looking for, and worse they could get accidentally hurt by the horse. Likewise, you should avoid goats that themselves are aggressive in nature and/or have sharp horns which could hurt the horse even during playful head-butting.
Horses and other companion animals
While goats are often used as companion animals for horses, they are not the only ones. Dogs, cats, pigs, smaller equines like ponies and even donkeys have all been known to serve as companions for horses.
When looking for a companion for your horse, it’s important that you consider the personalities of both the horse and the animal you are considering. Horses can be competitive and even aggressive with other horses, so you’ll want to avoid pairing them with an animal that is likely to trigger those behaviors.
You will also need to think about whether you are looking for a stable mate or a pasture mate. If you want a companion for your horse while it is in the stable, then space may be an issue. A smaller animal such as a goat may be a better fit (including for all the other benefits discussed in this article). If you are looking for an animal to keep your horse company while it is out grazing, then space is less of an issue and you may want to consider a larger animal such as a donkey.
The Federation Equestre Internationale has this interesting article on horses and their companions which you may like to read.
Final Thoughts
Calming Goats are for real and getting one can be one of the best things that you can do for your horse. Not only can a goat provide companionship and help to reduce stress, but it can also save you money on feed and pasture space compared to other larger animals.
Horses are herd animals and very social in nature. They need to bond not just with their human owner but also with other animals. If you have the opportunity to provide a goat companion for your horse, we say go for it!
