Horse changed after being on box rest

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fredders

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My horse was on 6 months box rest last year due to a tendon injury. He is fine now. Back in full work, can be turned out as normal. Since being on box rest he has seemed more clingy to me. For example If hes in the field and he sees me he wants to come in immediately. Even if he hasn't been out long. Hes always watching every thing I do when I'm around the yard. I would just like him to be a bit more chilled and not be so worried about what I'm doing. Hopefully I have explained it so you understand what I mean. Has anyone else experienced this? What did you do? Thank you
 
Does he have a mate that he gets along with ? With it being the depths of winter he may well just want in because there is nothing much to do. Spring will soon be here and fresh grazing might get him to relax.
 
My mare has been on box rest since May, she has recently been allowed restricted turnout and after 10 mins or so she is wanting back in however she will stand for hours (literally) to graze in hand. Your horse has been in a long time and that has become the norm for him, it will take him time to settle back into "normal" life.
 
^^ agree.
One of mine has done a fair bit of box rest over the last 2 years and the first spell changed her personality quite significantly. She's slowly starting to become more self sufficient again now. Make sure he has some quiet company and give him time :)
 
same - box rest and small turnout pen where he couldn't see others (different story) he was never fussed about people before much preferred to be with his own kind. Became quite clingy, more friendly and reliant and lost confidence - almost like I broke his soul.

Hes now out with a mate and isn't fussed by him at all - but not so fussed by humans.

They do adapt back into normal life
 
Thank you for your replys. You have made me feel so much better. He doesnt really like winter but he has been a lot worse this year so hopefully its just a combination of that and the box rest. Hopefully he will get back to normal in the summer. He loves being with other horses normally. He is very friendly
 
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