Thinking inside the box
Unfortunately, horses seem to have a knack for getting injured. Despite your best efforts, it is highly likely that your horse will spend a period of time on box rest at some point during his lifetime. That is to say, a vet will recommend your horse be confined to his stable, usually on account of an injury that could be aggravated by turnout.
Box rest can be stressful for both horse and owner. Horses don’t like change at the best of times, and this level of confinement is unnatural. A horse’s anxiety can be very concerning for owners, who are already dealing with the cost and time demands that box rest bring.
But fear not – there are ways to improve a convalescing horse’s quality of life, making him happier and healthier in body and mind, and in turn helping you to sleep at night.
1. Feeling secure
Ideally, your horse should be stabled in his usual box with familiar surroundings, as moving can cause anxiety. That said, if the benefits – such as being near to other horses or improved ventilation of the stable – outweigh the stress, then it’s ok to move him.
Your horse may feel particularly lonely if he sees his friends being turned out. Try offering him a feed or fresh hay to distract him before others go to the field. And he should have at least one pal left on the yard for company so he doesn’t feel the urge to join the others – stable door or no stable door.
2. Home comforts
As with any patient, provide your horse with the most comfortable bed possible. Rubber matting topped generously with shavings or straw, with banks, will provide warmth and prevent scuffed joints or your horse getting cast.
If possible, move your horse into another box while mucking out and clearing the stable of dust – this passes some time for him as well as protecting his respiratory tract.
You can also try to replicate his natural ‘outdoor’ environment, for example, by feeding him hay from the floor so he can stretch his neck as he would naturally graze. Some sliced carrots will be a welcome treat and source of succulents. If your horse isn’t mobile, place feed and water close to him so he can just move his neck to meet his needs.
3. Entertainment
There is a huge range of toys on the market designed to combat boredom in stabled horses. These range from devices that trickle-feed pony nuts when moved, to rubber balls with handles, to toys hanging on ropes containing treats. You could also trying stringing up a swede – cheap and effective!
Similarly, a vitamin/mineral lick can provide entertainment while replacing lost nutrients.
Whereas some horses enjoy peace at the quiet end of the barn, others will feel isolated there. If yours likes attention, stable him where he can watch others schooling, or where passers by can offer him a scratch and a kindly word. A radio playing quietly can be reassuring for some horses.
4. Human contact
When turned out with others, horses socialise and groom. You will need to replace this interaction, so change his rugs regularly while checking for rubs, and groom him thoroughly at least once a day to stimulate circulation and keep him comfortable.
Spend as much time as you can with the horse, hand grazing and walking in hand if/when your vet allows this. Your horse will relish any freedom he can get. In fact, he may relish it too much! Wear a hard hat and gloves and attach a lunge line to the headcollar or bridle in case of high spirits, and enlist help if necessary.
5. Feeding for calm
A horse on box rest will not require any excess energy from hard feed. If you are giving feed to maintain weight, to ensure that he is consuming medication or supplements, or to keep him happy when friends are being fed, ensure it is a low-energy, high-fibre formula. Competition or working mixes are a no-no – low energy chaff is appropriate.
Always check the labels – feedbags will have recommended ‘maintenance’ levels for horses out of work. Overfeeding can cause excitability and stress, so make sure you’ve got the amounts right. You can also try feeding ad-lib hay, which will simulate grazing and encourage good digestion. If you are feeding correctly but your horse is still highly strung, talk to your vet in case calmers or sedation are necessary.
