Feeding on box rest

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Amy13

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My cob pony has torn his annular ligament in his front right foot and so is on box rest for at least 6 weeks.

Was wondering what everyone feeds their horses whilst on box rest?

He’s currently having an unsoaked haynet in the morning and night and then a few handfuls of the Spillers molasses free chaff and Speedi-beet. Used the speedi-beet initially as he was on a course of antibiotics so needed something to hide it but am aware that he’s not getting the vits and mins he needs.

He is normally out 24/7 all year with no hard feed just plenty of forage and I use exercise to manage his weight. Obviously this isn’t possible now so just looking to see what other people use.

He is a very good doer, overweight due to lack of exercise (issue had been going on since beginning of September til it was pinpointed by vet) so he can’t afford lots of calories.

Thanks 🙂
 
I would soak his hay and replace the chaff and beet with a balancer, if you need to hide meds then these will generally soak to a mash very quickly.
 
Amy13 said:
Thank you 🙂 Thought soaked may be best!

What balancers work well in your experience?
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My mare is thriving on Top Spec Senior Lite, which was recommended by the hospital. Not cheap, but having nearly lost her on multiple occasions, I am not changing something that works.
 
big fan of spillers lite and lean balancer here! i’d be soaking hay, and splitting it into as many meals as possible throughout the day and around the stable! also a big fan of hay balls for aggy ponies on box rest🤣 i’d maybe change to the lowest calorie mash possible - personally wouldn’t cut it out at the minute as i’d be wanting as much water in him as possible, but if he’s on soaked hay it may be an easy way to take some calories out of his diet. i feed fast fibre, and pretty measly amounts.
 
dottylottie said:
big fan of spillers lite and lean balancer here! i’d be soaking hay, and splitting it into as many meals as possible throughout the day and around the stable! also a big fan of hay balls for aggy ponies on box rest🤣 i’d maybe change to the lowest calorie mash possible - personally wouldn’t cut it out at the minute as i’d be wanting as much water in him as possible, but if he’s on soaked hay it may be an easy way to take some calories out of his diet. i feed fast fibre, and pretty measly amounts.
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Aggy pony on box rest is definitely an accurate description 😂 I’ll have a look at the Spillers one now! Sounds like it may be a good option for him!
 
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