Box Clever – coping with box rest

succulent can also help. Carrots and apples sliced lengthways are usually well received as is freshly picked grass unless laminitis is a problem.
Feeding forage little and often is key. Some horses appreciate several different feeding stations around the stable to add interest. If you are struggling to get him to eat his medication adding grated carrot garlic or even blackcurrant juice can all help to disguise the flavour!
Boredom Busting
Looking at the same walls 247 can be boring especially if your horse has been used to an active life but spending of time with your horse every day can make a big difference to his mental wellbeing.
Grooming is good for his circulation and is also a good time for you to monitor his health and condition. If your horse is quite settled your vet may agree that you can move him to a safe area outside for grooming to add some variety to his day.
If he has a special friend that he gets on well with perhaps his usual field companion perhaps they can spend some time together mutually grooming each other if it is safe to do so. He will probably appreciate the odd back scratch from you too!
The joys of toys
A treat ball is often well received and may be a useful distraction if there is a particularly stressful time of day such as when his best friend is being ridden or turned out. It is better to allow access to toys for short period so that your horse remains interested in them.
Many horses enjoy listening to a radio but prefer calm music. Some find a stable mirror provides some interest and comfort.
Always check your horses reaction to any stable enrichment products before leaving him alone with them as occasionally they may cause frustration.
Hand Walking and reintroducing exercise
The extent of box rest will vary between cases. Some will require total box rest while others may be allowed some hand grazing or walking from the start but at some point ridden horses will need to be reintroduced to exercise.
In some instances your horse may be allowed access to a small turnout pen. The success of this can depend on the time of year as a warm sunny day with a good bite of grass is far more conducive to good behaviour than a cold January morning! In other cases you will have to calmly walk your horse for a set