A Guide to Box Rest and Horse Welfare Considerations
Just like human athletes, horses can suffer injuries throughout their career, some of which require "box rest," if suggested by a veterinarian. Box rest is a term used to describe the confinement of a horse in a stable or box for a specified period. When done right, box rest can be a valuable tool in the care and rehabilitation of horses facing various health challenges. By understanding its purpose, acknowledging its benefits, and implementing it with diligence and care, horse owners and caretakers contribute to the overall well-being and longevity of these magnificent animals. In this article, we will delve into the 4 most common reasons for box resting a horse, its benefits, and how to manage it effectively.
What is Horse Box Rest?
Horse box rest involves keeping a horse confined to a stall or stable, restricting its movement and access to open spaces. The duration of box rest varies based on the specific condition or injury being addressed. During this period, the horse is typically kept away from regular activities, such as turnout or exercise, to allow for focused healing.
Reasons for Horse Box Rest
1. Injury Recovery:
- Box rest is often prescribed by veterinarians to aid in the recovery of injuries such as tendon strains, ligament injuries, or fractures.
- Confining the horse to a stable limits movement, allowing the injured area to heal without added stress.
- After surgical procedures, horses may require box rest to help prevent complications and promote healing.
- Restricted movement ensures that the horse does not put excess strain on the surgical site.
- Horses suffering from laminitis or other hoof-related issues may benefit from box rest to alleviate pressure on their feet.
- Limited movement helps reduce inflammation and allows the hooves to heal.
- While respiratory issues have been a common reason to put a horse on box rest in the past, horses with respiratory conditions (e.g. equine asthma) are now recommended to be kept at pasture and be put on corticosteroid treatment, bronchodilators with specific management, including dietary changes.
5. Isolation and Quarantine
- Upon their arrival, new horses at a yard may be required to be isolated from the general equine population for a specified period, usually ranging from 7 to 14 days. This is a standard biosecurity measure, and its primary purpose is to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Ideally, there is a separate paddock provided for horses in quarantine but in some cases, only a stable of box is available so the housing and the management of these horses is very similar to those on box rest.
Benefits of Horse Box Rest
1. Facilitates Healing:- Confinement minimises the risk of further injury, allowing the body to focus on healing the affected area.
- For injuries or conditions where movement can exacerbate the problem, box rest is a crucial tool for preventing additional stress on the affected structures.
- Box rest facilitates easier administration of medications as well as wound treatment, ensuring that the horse receives the prescribed treatment without difficulty.
- Horses on box rest can be closely monitored by caretakers and veterinarians, allowing early detection of any issues that may arise during the recovery period.
Implementing Horse Box Rest
1. Comfortable Bedding:
- Provide a well-bedded and clean stable to ensure the horse's comfort during the rest period.
- Adjust the horse's diet as needed, considering reduced activity levels, and ensure that nutritional requirements are met.
3. Mental Stimulation:
- To combat boredom and stress, provide enrichment in the form of toys, and activities that mimic grazing, involve the services of an equine behaviourist. Allow interaction with other horses.
- Schedule periodic veterinary examinations to monitor progress and make informed decisions about the continuation or modification of the box rest.
Managing Horse Box Rest
1. Provide Mental Stimulation Through Equine Enrichment:
- To prevent boredom and stress, provide toys, treats, and companionship when possible.
- Regularly clean the stable to ensure a hygienic environment and reduce the risk of infections and respiratory issues.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to assess the horse's progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary.
- After the prescribed rest period, reintroduce exercise gradually to avoid sudden strain on the horse's body. A common mistake of keeping an injured horse on box rest is allowing the horse to march out of the stable with such momentum that he can damage the healing structures, especially on concrete or if the horse shows rebound behaviours, such as jumping around, rearing or bucking.
While horse box rest is a common practice for injury recovery and rehabilitation, it is essential to recognise that prolonged or inappropriate use of this management strategy can have detrimental effects on a horse's physical and mental well-being. Let’s explore the potential downsides of extended box rest and why it may be considered unfavourable for horses in certain situations.
The Nature of Horses
Horses, by nature, are active and social animals. Under feral conditions, they cover vast distances daily, grazing and interacting with other members of their herd. Confining such animals to a small space for an extended period goes against their natural behaviours and can lead to various issues.
Physical Drawbacks
1. Muscle Atrophy:
- Lack of movement can result in muscle atrophy, where the horse's muscles weaken and lose mass due to disuse. This can hinder their overall strength and performance.
- Restricted movement can lead to joint stiffness, affecting the horse's flexibility and potentially contributing to long-term joint issues.
- Limited movement can impede blood circulation, leading to problems such as stocking up (fluid accumulation in the lower limbs) and increasing the risk of thrombosis. The use of the WACKARO® has been shown to potentially help stimulate circulation in horses. Read more about this in our article.
Psychological Impact
1. Boredom and Stress:
- Horses are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental stimulation and social interaction. Prolonged box rest can result in boredom, stress and the development of stereotypical behaviours such as weaving or cribbing.
- By simulating allogrooming, WACKARO® could help relax your horse psychologically and physically through grooming and massage.
- The frustration of being confined can manifest in aggressive behaviour or the development of undesirable behaviours, posing challenges for both the horse and its handlers.
Delayed Recovery
1. Lack of Natural Healing Stimuli:
- Horses in the wild often engage in natural movement, which aids in the circulation of blood and promotes healing. Prolonged box rest may impede these natural healing processes.
- Reduced activity levels during box rest can lead to weight gain and may contribute to metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and laminitis.
Alternatives to Prolonged Box Rest
1. Controlled Exercise Programs:
- Vet-approved, controlled exercise programs can often be more beneficial than strict box rest, promoting controlled movement and aiding in rehabilitation.
- Provide a stimulating environment within the stall or stable, including toys, varied feed, and social interactions when possible.
- When feasible, allowing horses access to small paddocks or controlled turnout can contribute to both physical and mental well-being.
While horse box rest can be a necessary component of rehabilitation, it is crucial to avoid its prolonged and indiscriminate use. Recognizing the potential pitfalls, seeking alternatives, and incorporating a balanced approach to rehabilitation can contribute to the overall health and welfare of horses, ensuring their well-being during the recovery process.