Beat the Box Rest Blues!

"Box rest" the dreaded terms to any horse owner but sometimes this process is part and parcel of horse ownership. Whilst we try and protect our beloved horses and ponies wherever possible occasionally acute injuries or an illness can mean that a period of enforced box rest is necessary. If the worst does occur then horse owners should consider how to provide optimum care for their equines in the stable whilst they rehabilitate. There are many ways to make the necessary process as painless as possible. Remember that if your horse or pony is subject to spending a period of time in his stall or stable it is our responsibility to provide an environment which compliments their needs as much as possible. Top Tips from The Saddlery Shop to Beat the Box Rest Blues! Select a bedding which is soft, comfortable and highly absorbent to avoid a build up of ammonia in the stable. Always ensure you muck out your horse at least twice per day to keep his stable clean and fresh. The handy Equine Manure Scoop with handy rake available from The Saddlery Shop can offer a quick and easy way to skip out your horse several times per day. Provide ample forage to your equine in order to keep his digestive system functional and mobile. Prevent him from bolting his hay or haylage by supplying it in a small holed haynet in order to slow down the eating process, mirroring the natural trickle feeding pattern of the horse and keeping him occupied. Always carefully monitor your horse’s water intake and always provide fresh, clean drinking water. If your horse isn’t drinking enough during his stabled time why not consider soaking his haynet to boost the hydration levels of the diet? Offering stable toys and mirrors can also be useful and a radio can be a welcome distraction but make sure you give your box resting horse plenty of your attention and groom him regularly in order to keep him clean, comfortable and content. A huge range of grooming products are available from The Saddlery Shop including brushes, combs, sprays and shampoos and much, much more! It is often necessary to reduce the levels of concentrate feed provided to your equine whilst they are on box rest so make sure you choose a feed which is low in energy or cut the quantity supplied down. However always remember that sufficient forage is vital to health.