While it’s not uncommon for donkeys and horses to live together without apparent issues, it is generally not advisable says Georgia McCormick - senior donkey welfare adviser at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Despite their ability to communicate and occasionally coexist, the distinct differences in their needs, behaviour, and origins make it challenging to manage both animals in the same environment.
Donkeys and horses come from very different backgrounds. Donkeys originated from the semi-arid regions of Northeast Africa and Asia, while horses evolved in more temperate climates. These distinct evolutionary paths have resulted in different physical and behavioural needs.
Weather sensitivity
For example, donkeys are far more sensitive to cold, wet weather than horses. They naturally seek shelter when it’s rainy or windy, and this can lead to problems if a horse and donkey share a field.
Shelter and space requirements
A horse may become territorial over shelter, preventing the donkey from finding protection and causing stress. This situation can also lead to physical health issues for the donkey, including weight loss from exposure to the elements and foot problems from standing in wet, muddy conditions.
Management needs
Donkeys also have different management needs than horses. While a horse might be kept in a stable at night and turned out during the day, donkeys prefer more freedom. They thrive when they have access to shelter at their discretion, rather than being confined to a stable. Additionally, donkeys benefit from hardstanding areas to support their hoof health, as their feet are more porous and susceptible to conditions like thrush and white line disease if kept in damp environments.
When horses and donkeys live together, it’s essential to ensure that both animals have adequate space and access to shelter. If not properly managed, the stress and health issues caused by inadequate living conditions can affect both animals, with donkeys particularly vulnerable.
Dietary requirements
Dietary differences between donkeys and horses are another key consideration. Donkeys are prone to obesity and must be carefully monitored to avoid overfeeding, especially when it comes to access to grass and hay. Donkeys typically require minimal amounts of hay (if any at all) and need free access to straw. Overfeeding or unrestricted access to lush grass can result in weight-related health issues.
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When horses and donkeys are kept together, it's important to manage their food intake carefully to ensure that both animals are getting the correct nutrition. This can be difficult if they are sharing the same grazing area, as horses are more likely to graze freely, while donkeys may need more restricted access.
Communication and body language
Ben Hart, Lead Behaviourist at The Donkey Sanctuary states that ‘Body language is the common language of communication for all horses, donkeys and mules. However, there are subtle differences in body language between the three, and this can lead to initial misunderstandings. The donkeys more stoic nature means that their body language is more subtle and less obvious than a horse. Which incidentally is what makes donkeys’ body language difficult for humans to read.
Do horses like and understand donkeys?
Many horses are initially confused and concerned when they meet a donkey for the first time. After all, to a horse, donkeys must appear like a small horses. However, when they get closer, donkeys smell different, sound different, have big ears, a swishy tail and that more subtle body language. On the other hand, horse body language, being more pronounced and obvious, must seem more familiar to the donkey. However, with a little time and space to observe each other horses and donkeys learn to communicate with each other just fine’.
Donkeys tend to form strong bonds with their companions and can become highly stressed if separated, even if it's just across a fence. This is especially true if the bond between a horse and donkey becomes very strong. If the horse is taken away for any reason - such as for exercise or transport to a competition - the donkey may become upset or anxious, which can lead to symptoms of stress such as pacing and calling out for their friend as well as health problems such as hyperlipaemia.
Donkeys, as well as some native pony breeds, are particularly susceptible to hyperlipaemia, a disease caused by too much fat in the blood. This occurs when donkeys stop eating or when their appetite is significantly reduced.
While it may seem like a good idea to pair a retired horse with a donkey for companionship, donkeys are better suited to living with their own kind. They prefer the company of other donkeys and thrive in pairs or small groups. If you’re looking for a companion for your horse, it may be worth considering other horses or ponies, especially if you want to avoid the complex challenges of managing a mixed-species pair.
Equine charities and sanctuaries often have horses, ponies, and mules available for rehoming as companion animals. They can provide guidance on selecting the best companion for your horse based on their specific needs.
Companion considerations
While donkeys and horses can communicate and occasionally coexist, their differing physical, dietary, and emotional needs make it difficult to manage them together long-term. A more suitable arrangement for both animals is one where their individual requirements can be met in a way that promotes their health and well-being.