Horses at grass keep, no stables. WWYD??

[montysmum1]

If you had your horses at grass keep, with no access to stables, and one was lame, (suspected tendon problem, not severe enough to indicate tear, but probable tweak/sprain) what would you do?

My initial reaction to any sort of lameness is box rest, cold hosing and bandaging until vet sees, either as emergency or within 48hrs depending on severity.

But what if stabling is not an option? Either because of the situation of the field, or the temperament of the horse?

Any opinions appreciated, thank you?!

 

[*hic*]

Fence off a very small area. I have a horse on laminitis watch at the moment and have already agreed with the vet that should she go down with it she will be fenced in an area roughly stable sized in our woodchip turnout. Previous "box rest" occasions have been partly carried out in a stable sized area of the field. It keeps her calmer than fretting and boxwalking in her stable.

 

[Clava]

You go with what you have, I had a pony with a tendon injury, he was turned out and healed fine. I personally hate box rest and feel it is very unnatural.

 

[smellsofhorse]

Fence off small area to restric movement.

 

[MagicMelon]

You go with what you have, I had a pony with a tendon injury, he was turned out and healed fine. I personally hate box rest and feel it is very unnatural.

Box rest IS very unnatural but it depends how bad it is. My horse is on months of box rest as he has a serious tendon injury so this is his best chance of any sort of recovery sadly.

I'd get the vet out first to see how serious the injury was. If they felt box rest was needed then I'd electric tape off a small area (size of a stable if need be).

 

[VikkiL]

I keep my horse on similar facilities (no point having access to stables as he gets very stressed and weaves and boxwalks terribly). When he has required box rest I just tape off a stable sized area of paddock, which has worked out fine.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I've noticed increasingly that vets do not automatically prescribe box rest for lameness. Some horses need it, obviously, but many do well in a small fenced off area or turned out 24/7 with calm companions.
The benefit of box rest can sometimes be counter productive when the horse is stressed, box walking or kicking the door. Depends on the injury but for me, box rest is the last resort.

 

[zaminda]

I have been in this situation a few times. One mare actually box canters when she gets cross, so she was turned out, but her tendon was a bit spot the tendon rather than look for the hole, and the vets felt she would never be rideable again. Shewas, about 6 months later. Another had suspensory issues, she has been turned out with the herd. Another smacked her leg very badly, and tendon damage was suspected by vet, she was given calmer, and less bute than usual, but enough to reduce swelling, and leftwith the others on 15 acres. Thankfully, it wasn't serious, she is simply an extraordinary actor!!
Some will not settle in a small area if the others move away, which is the case with ours, so they stay with the herd, rather than risk further injury.

 

[montysmum1]

Thanku all very much for your sensible replies! I've not been in this predicament before and was rapidly going into meltdown! You've all made me feel much happier with the situation xx

 

[RubyFrench]

i often wander this as my horse is on grass livery BECAUSE he will not stay in a stable longer than half an hour, he will try to climb over the door! even if he had 3 legs he would still try and get out!!