Thinking Inside the Box – Horse and Rider

Stall rest can leave your horse frustrated. We offer strategies to reduce anxiety and improve your horse’s well-being during extended periods of confinement.

Stall rest is a common yet challenging aspect of equine care, necessitated by conditions that require a horse to remain confined for extended periods. Despite the substantial labor required of the horse’s owner—such as changing dressings, cold hosing, and frequent mucking out—we must remember that the experience may be even more stressful for the horse.

Extended confinement limits a horse’s physical and social freedoms, potentially leading to heightened stress and various behavioral issues. Here we’ll present evidence-based strategies to enhance the welfare of horses during stall rest, drawing on recent research and best practices.

The Impact of Confinement

Research highlights the adverse effects of confinement on horses. A study by Nottingham Trent University found that horses with minimal or no contact with other horses exhibited significantly higher stress levels than those housed in groups. Chronic stress in horses, marked by prolonged release of cortisol, has been linked to several health issues, including laminitis, Cushing’s disease, immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), skin conditions, allergic reactions, and increased risk of gastric ulceration and colic. Therefore, the negative impacts of prolonged confinement on both the physical and mental health of horses must be carefully managed.

[Don’t Administer Banamine This Way…]

Strategies to Improve Stall Rest

Here are multiple ways to improve your horse’s situation and make the best attempt at minimizing the length of time he’s laid up.

Assessing Turnout Options

The necessity of complete confinement should be critically evaluated with your veterinarian. For many conditions, limited turnout may be permissible and beneficial. Turnout, even for short periods of time in a small paddock or arena, allows for some freedom of movement and the opportunity to graze. If feasible, creating a fenced area adjacent to the stall can give your horse the option to move in and out at will, mitigating some of the frustrations associated with confinement.

Ensuring Equine Company

Horses are highly social animals, relying on the presence of conspecifics (members of the same
species) for security and mental well-being. Isolation is stressful for them, so it’s vital to ensure
that your horse on stall rest has some form of social contact. Ideally, he should be stabled near a companion he can physically interact with. If physical interaction isn’t possible, visual contact with other horses should be maintained to reduce feelings of isolation.

Visiting Hours

If a horse has a preferred companion who can’t be stabled nearby, arranging daily visits can be beneficial. Allowing your horse and his companion to engage in mutual grooming over the stable door or during short walks can provide much-needed social interaction. This practice not only reduces stress but also helps maintain social bonds. Ideally, visiting hours should cover as much of the day and night as possible, with a rotation of companions fulfilling the duty if possible.

Spending Quality Time

Engaging with your horse during his confinement can alleviate boredom and strengthen the horse-human bond. Spending time in the stable, performing chores nearby, or simply sitting and reading can provide him with companionship and mental stimulation. This interaction is crucial for reducing stress and promoting a positive environment.

Maintaining Comfort

The physical environment of the stall plays a critical role in your horse’s comfort and well-being. The stall should be spacious enough to allow him to lie down fully and achieve REM sleep, which is essential for his overall health. A deep bed, ideally with rubber matting and a thick layer of shavings or straw, can prevent pressure sores and provide insulation. Mucking out three or four times daily is essential to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of respiratory issues from dust and ammonia.

Changing the Environment Regularly

Regular changes in your horse’s surroundings can prevent boredom. Rotating him between different stables or tying him up in different parts of the stable yard with hay nets or forage boxes can help keep him occupied.

Identifying and Scratching Itchy Spots

Most horses have specific areas that they enjoy having scratched, which can provide comfort and relaxation. Common itchy spots include the withers, chest, and under the jaw. Scratching the base of the neck and wither area can lower your horse’s heart rate and help reduce stress, making it a useful technique to use during confinement. Additionally, this practice can strengthen the bond between you two.

Providing Ample Forage

Ensuring continuous access to high-quality forage is crucial for both the mental and physical health of a stabled horse. Horses are natural grazers, spending up to 18 hours a day foraging. Providing a variety of forages at ground level can simulate natural grazing behavior, reduce boredom, and prevent digestive issues like gastric ulcers. Different types of forage, such as hay, chaff, or short-chopped forages, can add variety and extend feeding time.

Flavoring Hay

To add variety and reduce sugar content, soaking or steaming hay can be beneficial. Additionally, flavoring hay with cooled herbal teas, such as red berry, nettle, rosehip, chamomile, or mint, can provide sensory enrichment. Offering different flavors in separate buckets allows the horse to choose his preferred taste, and provides interest and variety.

Regular Grooming

Daily grooming is essential for maintaining skin health and stimulating circulation. Removing blankets daily to check for rubs and allowing your horse to scratch himself can maintain skin health and provide physical comfort. Grooming also serves as a bonding activity and a means of monitoring the horse’s overall health.

Health Monitoring

Regular health checks are vital during stall rest. Monitoring for any new bumps, scrapes, or areas of heat can help detect problems early. Recording vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and respiration rates can provide valuable information about your horse’s health status and alert the caretaker to potential issues.

Creating Forage Boxes

Forage boxes can provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom. Fill a large, sturdy container with strong horse-safe toys and scatter treats or grass nuts at the bottom. Your horse can then engage in foraging behavior, which is both mentally stimulating and time-consuming. It’s important to supervise him to ensure he doesn’t become frustrated or ingest non-food items.

Providing Toys

Toys can significantly alleviate boredom and provide mental stimulation. Commercially available toys that dispense treats or that can be thrown around are effective.

Planning Rehabilitation

Working with veterinary and equine professionals to develop a progressive rehabilitation plan is crucial. This plan should outline steps for gradually reintroducing your horse to exercise and specific routines. Proper planning can facilitate a smooth transition from stall rest to full recovery, reducing the risk of reinjury.

Managing Rebound Behavior

Horses would naturally walk extensive distances daily, and confinement can lead to rebound behaviors upon release. This heightened activity is a normal response to extended confinement and should be anticipated.

When beginning hand-walking, safety should be a priority. Wearing protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and sturdy boots, is essential. Using a longe line and having an assistant can provide additional safety. Starting in a familiar, enclosed area and gradually expanding the walking range can help manage your horse’s excitement and prevent injuries.

By implementing these evidence-based strategies, the stall-rest process can be improved, making it more manageable for you and less stressful for your horse. These practices not only enhance his physical and mental well-being but also facilitate a smoother recovery and return to normal activities.