Companion Animals for horses

Question
Hi, last week I bought a retired racehorse (he's fairly young). He has grown up in a busy stable environment and is used to being around other horses. I only have cattle though. He seems to be very lonely and paces when he can't see the cows. So I'm considering buying a companion for him (maybe a small pony) does this sound like a good idea? I'm also kind of worried that my horse won't want to go out on hacks without the companion animal. So it I were to get a pony how could I teach my horse that there's no need to panic if I ask him to leave his field for a while? I don't want to end up getting a companion that renders my horse unridable.

Also one more quick question, My horse moves around and refuses to stand still when I try to oil his hooves. He's fine for picking out and lets me lift his feet no problem but for some reason the oil bothers him. Is there any way to get him used to this so it's easier to take care of his hooves?

Thank you so much for your time!

Answer
Hello Jackie;
I am new to 'experts' but have been attracted to the question 'pool'. Unanswered questions. Not all questions have an answer. (Black/White.) I'm going to try and spin the whole scenario....
He is a race horse, hot blooded, young, likely he is affected by company, (horses are herd animals) and the cows help fill his needs. You could use a cow/calf rather than a pony, BUT, the leaving his Buddy thing will rear it's head no matter what companion you choose. You should be that companion. Domestic, stabled horses have no opportunity for herd bonding so it is up to owners to provide. I personally don't turn horses out together to retard any herd instincts and keep their dependence on all things keyed to myself.
Time to make him dependant may be an issue, if so, (and it is with most) you will need to endure. First few times you leave companion animals sight, trauma !!! Soon though,if you stick to it, keep your mount interested and challenged during rides, the trainability of horses will come through and it will become a very tiny issue. (always there) They are so adaptable, and age so gracefully....
as to the feet, he is obviously nervous with a new procedure so you need to confine him more, (in a corner/handler/stocks/ etc. take away his ability to 'fidget' and do your 'oil' He will learn to accept it quietly. Trouble with doing nothing and repeating is he will learn that 'fidgeting' is the way, and stick to it ! Hope this helps.
Keep me posted if... ?
I wish you good luck and anticipate you are 'hacking' soon.
Bill