Can/will horses be Livestock Guardians?

[NinjaGamer2022]

Just curious if they would guard animals like dwarf and mini goats along with poultry if raised together (with at least one horse companion). Thx,

 

[Silkie Princess]

I’m pretty sure a horse could trample poultry.

 

[NinjaGamer2022]

I’m pretty sure a horse could trample poultry.

Good point.... What do you think about goats? Thx,

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Horses are prey and think like that. They are easily spooked or startled. Only a stallion with mares or a mare and her foal would be good protectors, even there it's iffy in the moment.

 

[ButtonHoarder]

You shouldn't get a horse just to protect your goats, it probably won't work and it just seems like a weird reason to have a horse

 

[EverythingDucks]

Unlikely.
A donkey would be a better option. They will chase off predators in their territory, and they're easier to keep than horses.

 

[TJAnonymous]

Just curious if they would guard animals like dwarf and mini goats along with poultry if raised together (with at least one horse companion). Thx,

I have 2 horses and 2 goats along with my chickens and ducks. The goats actually share the same run with the chickens. Neither the goats or horses will deter a predator. I've lost chickens while the goats and horses looked on with curiosity.

My chickens are allowed to free range most days. I've never had a horse or goat try to injure them. I have had a horse spook at something and nearly trample a chicken but only near misses.

 

[Silkie Princess]

You shouldn't get a horse just to protect your goats, it probably won't work and it just seems like a weird reason to have a horse

Agreed.

 

[picklestheduck]

I personally wouldn’t get a horse to protect my chickens and ducks, but I would like to point out that some horses are protective sometimes. For instance I have a mare who loves me and whenever I am out there she will not let another horse near me because she thinks she’s “protecting” me. Like I’m “hers”. She’s charged other herd members away from me. I also know that one of my other mares will stomp on aggressive dogs/coyotes etc. Probably not for a chicken though.

 

[Painted Calls]

Horses give zero F's and take pleasure in stomping lesser beings. So no.