Box rest boredom ideas???

[Rainbow01]

Hi Guys

After a long afternoon at bell yesterday, nerve blocking, xrays, scan etc, which I might add he was very brave for! finally found out what was making my boy lame for so long. He has damaged his superficial digital flexor tendon.

So now we start the long healing process, so if anyone has any top tips for relieving box rest boredom would very much appreciate some ideas!

Thanks!

 

[ellie_e]

A sweade on a rope, Apples in the water buckets, stable lick (full of sugar though?) Snack balls are good, Hide carrots in his haynets

 

[ghostie]

How about clicker training to keep him mentally stimulated? You could teach him useful things like bringing his head down, lifting his feet etc?

Also, can you feed him chaff or similar in a feed ball so that he has to work for his food and keep himself occupied?

 

[Bright_Spark]

Here are a few suggestions:

Putting his feed into a treat ball
Hanging a swede or mix of apples/carrots on string
Hanging salt lick
Putting his hay into the smallest holed haynet you can find
Putting hay into small nets and hanging them at different points in the stable
Apples in his water bucket (especially if it's a big one)
Splitting his food into as many small ones as you can manage

ghostie's clicker training suggestion is also a good one- as said you can teach him to move over/back/head down/pick up feet- all of which will be useful after box rest too!

 

[canteron]

Clicker all the way. It uses their brains and helps your/his timing & bond for when you start work again.

Good sources are Alexander Kurkland books, you tube and also doing a search on here!!

 

[starryeyed]

Agree with clicker training, kept my horse entertained on box rest - he picked it up so quickly and he loves showing everyone his "tricks".
Oh - and hours of pampering

 

[Rainbow01]

Thanks guys! Also has anyone used the magnetic therapy wraps? Would you recommend them???

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

magnetic wraps can speedm up healing rate .. though not much scientific evidence to show this! IMO the sooner they get bored of being in a box and park up the better! a ml or 2 of sedalin am will keep them content and relaxed. if not doped, small fibre based feeds every few hours. if going down a bit of sedalin route after breakfast just hay in a very small holed nte. Skip out often. groom every day to get the itches away! dont over rug.