I just learned a fact that absolutely delighted me.

It turns out that some animals have companion animals that help stay them calm and happy. Just as some people have emotional-support animals, some animals have emotional-support animals!

Apparently, this is particularly true of thoroughbred racehorses.

Why? Because racehorses are often high-strung and prone to anxiety, especially before a big race like the Kentucky Derby.

So, to help soothe their nerves and provide companionship, many racehorses are paired with smaller companion animals such as goats, ponies, donkeys, cats, dogs, pigs—even chickens.

These “barn buddies” are like the stuffed animals or security blankets of a racehorse, and they help the horses stay relaxed and also help reduce stress behaviors like pacing and head bobbing.

For instance, one of the most famous champion racehorses was the horse Seabiscuit, and Seabiscuit had several animal companions: a serene, retired Montana cow pony named Pumpkin, a little stray spotted dog named Pocatell, and a spider-monkey named Jo-Jo.

Sometimes racehorses will even refuse to race or train if they’re apart from their animal buddy.

Learning about this pattern reminds me, yet again, of the importance of relationships. It’s true for racehorses, and it’s true for people: loving companionship makes us happier.