Box Rest Calmer

My mare has been confined to box since last March (2009) and shes on NAF Magic, seems to work for her though shes not particuarly a stress head. Only given it to her since I started riding her again due to a tendon injury. Shes not allowed out yet though we have to ride to exercise her tendon, gets a bit giddy when we see other horses in fields, especially when they move! Results in a bit of a bronc now and again.
 
stable mirror! Our mare was on four months box rest, started climbing walls,literally. had to shut top door as she was trying to come over (rather defeating object of BR!). Fitted mirror in double quick time, and it was as if a switch had been flipped - she spent all day quietly talking to her new "friend" and even when she was eventually allowed out,kept returning to see if she could persuade her "friend" to join her.
 
My mare was on box rest for a tendon injury and I gave her Euistro equiliser and in three days there was a big difference much calmer!!!
 
I would also strongly recommend fitting a stable mirror. My lad was on box rest for months with a broken leg, and he would spend hours quietly looking at himself. As you can imagine I was very worried about him putting stress on the leg as it healed, and fortunately there was a notcieable difference in his calmness immediately. Even now, when I put him in his stable he wonders staright over to his mirror.

All I would say is make sure you fit it correctly - put it at her head height when she is relaxed, not by the doorway so that it doesnt spook her when she starts to come in and out, and not where she eats.

Good luck
x
 
Hi Foxy,

I bought Relax Me from Horse First, as recommended to me by another forum user for my horse whilst on box rest. I've actually not used it because he's been so good.

I'd be happy to send it to you for the price of postage if you want it. It's not even been opened.
 
I give my young mare the Feedmark Magnesium on the maintenance dose. She's been in now since Christmas due to a multiple tendon injury and that combined with her controlled walking seems to be working (most of the time). The Feedmark Magnacalm is very good too, it comes in a syringe and works very well!!
 
if you are able/allowed - cut a 'top door' in back wall of stable, so horse has 2 views. (If there are 2 views!) Did this with my mare, who could then see her mates in the filed behind the yard and she was much calmer as a result. I am finding that box rest was easier than 'controlled turnout in small paddock'!!! good luck
 
Our mare was on box rest for 6 months, and she was (and still is - only been turned out for a week) on BETAMAG, from the vets - its about £30-35 but we were able to claim for it on the insurance as it was recommended by the vet. Bought some more for our gelding and it has made a big difference to him, not so spooky now. Worth a try!
Also lots of toys - I'm a great believer in the "Distraction Toy" which hangs from the ceiling and has carrots (and other goodies) put behind the elastic - keeps them occupied for hours!
 
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