Will Coyotes Attack Horses? (Find Out!)

Living in the hills of California, there is beauty all around.

However, with that beauty, there are also dangers in the form of wild animals.

The other evening as I went to give my horse his nightly feed, I heard a barking sound in the distance.

Although I’ve never seen one up close before, I immediately knew it was a coyote.

I wondered that since horses are larger than coyotes, did that mean my horse was safe?

I knew I had to get inside and find the answer to the question, “Will coyotes attack horses?”

Yes, coyotes will attack horses, even though they are much smaller in size. Since coyotes are prey animals, they will strike at a horse if given the opportunity. Smaller horses and foals are at a higher risk for a coyote attack, but larger horses are still vulnerable. It’s vital to protect your horse from the threat coyotes create.

Knowing that all horses are vulnerable to a coyote attack can be scary, but is there a way to help keep them safe?

Which horses are at the most risk, and should you worry if there is only one coyote and not a pack?

For the answer to all these questions and more, keep reading.

What Horses Are At Risk For A Coyote Attack?

All horses are at risk for a coyote attack regardless of size.

Coyote biology draws them to horses, which they view as prey and will strike if given a chance.

Although a coyote is generally only around forty pounds, it can inflict lethal damage to even the largest horses.

Outside influences affecting the coyote, like drought, lessening food sources, or shrinking territory, may cause it to be more aggressive and likely to turn to easy meal options like pasturing horses.

While even large horses are vulnerable to attack, smaller horses and foals are at the highest risk due to their small stature and inability to sprint away from danger.

Foals have the added disadvantage of being less knowledgeable about impending danger.

They are curious, spend their days playing, and may not realize the peril they are in until it’s too late.

Should I Be Concerned About A Single Coyote Or Only A Pack?

A pack of coyotes is incredibly dangerous to any animal as they can overpower creatures much larger than themselves.

Seeing a pack of coyotes in or around a neighborhood would cause concern and most likely garner a visit from animal control.

However, it’s more common to see a lone coyote roaming the streets or sniffing through garbage cans.

Calling animal control may receive a response, but chances are they won’t come on account of a single coyote.

That doesn’t’ mean, though, that you should not be concerned about your horse’s safety.

One coyote can still harm or kill an unsuspecting horse.

Coyotes have sharp teeth and locking jaws which can clamp down and tear skin and muscle from the bone.

A horse in the pasture will not have the ability to escape, and the coyote can tire them out by chasing them around until they can no longer stand.

Once the horse is exhausted, the coyote can quickly attack and kill it within minutes.

Lone coyotes are generally adolescent males who have not yet found a pack.

They will scavenge on anything they perceive as a possible meal.

They also haven’t gained the experience that an older coyote may have developed, to know the dangers of attacking a larger prey source.

Putting those factors together with possible desperation for food creates a dangerous animal without regard for its safety.

How Can I Keep My Horse Safe From A Coyote Attack?

Keeping your horse safe from attack is one of the most important things an owner can do.

There are a few ways you can help safeguard your horse from the dangers a coyote can bring.

Build A Fence

Building a secure, tall fence around your barn may keep nosey coyotes at bay.

However, coyotes can jump about three feet in the air and climb almost any fence using their back legs to grip and propel them upwards.

To help prevent a coyote from climbing over your fence, consider installing a roller bar at the top.

The bar will help prevent them from getting enough traction to crossover into your yard.

You can also add chicken wire around your pasture fencing to create an extra barrier and make it harder for the coyote to enter.

Although coyotes can climb over it, it’s always a good idea to make the entrance to your horse as difficult as possible.

Stall Your Horse

If you live in an area where coyotes are common, you should never leave your horse in the pasture overnight.

Bringing it in and securely sealing the doors and windows can mean the difference between life and death.

If you don’t like the idea of closing your horse in completely, you may use bars on the doors and windows to allow for airflow without putting your horse at unnecessary risk.

Install Security Lighting

Coyotes will attack during the day, but the cover of darkness gives them ample opportunity to sneak up on their prey.

Installing motion-activated security lighting can startle a stalking coyote and ruin its chance to take your horse by surprise.

A coyote will usually flee when light is shown on it unexpectedly, which is an easy way to give your horse an added level of security.

Coyotes are a serious threat to horses of all sizes, but especially to foals and smaller breeds.

Keeping your horse safe can seem like a monumental task, but by following a few safeguards, you can help ensure your horse is never the victim of a coyote attack.

Building a fence, stalling your horse at night, and adding motion-activated security lights can give you the added security measures you need to protect your horse.

Don’t let the fear of your horse being attacked by a coyote steal your peace of mind.

Coyotes are a threat, but with your help, your horse can stay safe and secure.