Horses and goats are unlikely companions who simply manage to get along admirably. Horses are large and strong while goats are small and agile. Despite their differences, these two animals have things in common (and equally important, something not in common) that might explain why they get along so well.
So if you’re asking yourself – why do horses like goats – here’s your answer.
Why Do Horses Like Goats?
Horses and goats share certain characteristics that make them like each other. Interestingly, horses also like goats because of what they do not have in common. This perfect balance between commonality and difference is likely why horses and goats enjoy each other’s company so much.
So much so, that goats are often used to calm horses when the latter are disturbed or agitated. This makes goats ideal companion animals for horses.
So why do horses like goats? Here are the top 7 reasons:
- Horses and goats are herd animals and like company
- Horses and goats are prey animals and share the same predators
- Horses and goats are both herbivores and so can graze together
- Horses and goats do not compete with each other
- Horses like goats because of their calming effect
Let’s look closely at each of these reasons why horses like goats.
#1. Horses and goats are herd animals and like company
Both herds and goats are social animals. In the wild, they live in herds. A herd not only provides companionship but also safety in numbers against predators.
Domesticated goats and horses usually do not live in such large groups but they still enjoy the company of their own kind or at least of other animals. When goats and horses are kept together, they can provide each other with the social interaction that they need and crave.
When left alone horses tend to pace back and forth and can become anxious or stressed. Goats, on the other hand, will often cry when they are left alone. But when they are together, both horses and goats are much more relaxed.
The companionship of the other can help to ease a horse’s anxiety and loneliness, and goats can help horses to feel more secure.
#2. Horses and goats share the same predators
Horses and goats have many of the same predators. In the wild, both are prey animals and so must be constantly on the lookout for predators such as wolves, mountain lions, coyotes, and bears.
The fact that they share the same predators means that horses and goats can relate to each other’s fear and insecurity. This understanding creates a bond between them.
It also means that they can warn each other of the approach of predators. When one animal sees a predator, it can raise the alarm and the other animals will be alerted and can take evasive action.
The fact that horses and goats share the same predators is likely one of the reasons why they get along so well.
#3. Horses and goats are both herbivores and so can graze together
Horses and goats are both herbivores and so they can graze together. They will usually eat different types of plants but there is enough overlap in their diet that they can share a pasture without problems.
This also means that they can graze in close proximity without disturbing each other. Even on a farm or a ranch, horses and goats will rarely compete for food.
#4. Horses and goats do not compete with each other
The lack of competition between horses and goats is not limited to food. Horses like to project a sense of dominance and will often try to assert their dominance over other animals especially other horses.
With goats, however, horses do not feel the need to establish dominance. This is likely because goats are not seen as a threat or a rival. Instead, they are seen as calm and non-threatening creatures. For horses, this makes goats the perfect companions.
#5. Horses like goats because of their calming effect
It is known that goats have a calming effect on horses. A horse that is agitated or over-excited can be calmed by the presence of a goat. Generally, speaking goats are calm animals. And just as seeing something that is calm has a calming effect on us humans, so too does it work with horses.
The presence of a goat can help to ease a horse’s anxiety and stress. This is why many farms and ranches will keep a goat or two around even if they do not have any other livestock.
Goats also have a therapeutic effect on horses. Horses that are injured or ill will often recover more quickly in the presence of a goat. The calming effect of the goat helps the horse to relax and feel more comfortable which in turn speeds up the healing process.
Because goats have this positive experience on horses, is another reason why horses like goats.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it. In case you’ve been asking yourself – “why do horses like goats?” – now you know! Horses crave companionship and they can often get that from goats in a non-competitive way.
This is one of the reasons why many horse owners will deliberately keep a goat as a companion for their horse. Even when horses travel, for instance for races, it is not uncommon for a goat to travel with them in order to keep the horse calm and relaxed.
