Box rest - advice needed please

[Purdey33]

My mare is going onto box rest from tomorrow due to a hoof abscess.

Not had much experience with stabling as mine are out 24/7, and no experience of box rest at all. Could someone give me advice on feeding and care while she is in 'confinement' please?

She is 15.2, TB and approx 18 - 20 years old.

Thanks :o

[aliw]

I don't know about feed but I would definately use a small mesh haynet so that it lasts a bit longer. Hope she doesn't get too fed up! :)

[nutkin]

It's important that you cut back on the hard feed as your horse will not be doing the normal amount of work that has been asked of her. A small hole haynet would be a good idea. Ideally you need to try to keep lots of hay there at her disposal especially as she is used to living out. Stable toys are a great idea for helping to keep her occupied.I use a ball which you fill with feed. My horse loves it and it keeps him occupied for ages. Another thing you could try is burying carrots in her bed so she has to find them.Could you possibly get one of those stable mirrors. They are a great way to fool your mare that she is not on her own and they do seem to give some horses a feeling of security.

[artemis]

Why does he need to be inside?

[Purdey33]

Thanks for replies :)

She needs to be kept inside so that I can keep the wound dry and clean, and also so I can poultice it to remove the nasty bits.

I was hoping to keep her out (she hates being in) but it's too wet :(

Also, I don't have a stable, so knocked on a stranger's door (they are up the road) and asked if I could rent one of theirs for a week :o They said yes, so she's there now... and hating it!!

[artemis]

I put one of those boot things on my horse & left her outside.