Stall Rest for Horses

An injury, illness, or surgery can mean that stall rest is prescribed for your horse. It sounds sensible. After all, if we're ill or injured, bed is the best place to be, until we are well enough to get back on our feet, and our recovery is underway. We can rationalize why we must be bed-ridden, occupy our minds with computers, books and games, and the company of visitors, and perhaps, with the help of therapists, keep our bodies in good shape.

But, the same can't be said for horses. Stall rest is very hard on horses, and the longer the stall rest is required, the more stressful it can become. Part of the problem is that horses aren't really good at looking after their injuries. They don't know they shouldn't gallop on an injured leg, or that after surgery, they need to stay quiet.

Stall rest is when a horse must be kept in a stall for a period of time—from a few days, to several months, depending upon the severity of the injury, illness or surgery. It can be hard on you, knowing that your horse can't be ridden for a length of time, and that you must maintain it in its stall for longer than normal. However, it's even harder on a horse, that spends most of its time on the move in its pasture. Stall rest is the antithesis of what we know about good horse management and the importance of ample turnout time.

Stall rest means your horse may be standing long hours on a hard floor. Spend extra to protect your horse with ample bedding material.

Alternatively, be sure there are rubber mats beneath the bedding. Stocking up is likely, and a well-padded floor can help a bit. Make sure the stall is kept clean, and there's no build-up of ammonia fumes.

For a horse on stall rest, boredom can set in, and that can lead to stall walking and other vices—just what an injured leg or healing incision doesn't need. Burning off energy can be a problem in a stall—and doing vertical take-offs won't help the healing process. Being indoors can be lonely, as herd mates spend most of their time outdoors. So, we have to take measures to ensure our horses aren't miserable and doing themselves, (and their stall), more harm than good.

Beat boredom by putting your horse in a stall that is well lit with natural daylight, where it can see the activity of other horses and people. Consider keeping another horse in another stall alongside, perhaps one that could benefit from time away from good pasture or the round bale anyway. Even chickens, cats and goats provide some companionship, although some horses can get cranky and hurt smaller animals. And some horses might become more agitated if other horses are coming and going constantly, so you have to consider the temperament and reactions of your horse when trying to provide companionship. Grooming, training ground manners, clicker training and other natural horsemanship style games will benefit you and your horse during this time.

Exercise, especially for a high-energy horse might be a problem. You may be able to hand walk your horse, with your veterinarian's go-ahead. Your horse might be quieter if it has another calm horse alongside. Or, try walking up and down the stable aisle at first. Massage, therapeutic touch and stretches can help diffuse some energy as well.

You may have to adjust your horse's feed during stall rest. Post-surgery, your horse might have a recommended diet. However, to cut down on the possibility of excess energy, you may cut back on the grains and concentrates as well. Your horse shouldn't get fatter during this time. Watch for weight loss as well. Changes in routine can lead to stress and EGUS. If stress is really a problem, your vet can recommend sedatives, or you can try giving your horse calming herbal preparations.

Be sure to closely follow your veterinarian's instructions. Skipping steps can prolong the stall rest. Cold hose, massage, administer medications or change dressing when recommended.

When your horse is ready to go back to work, start slowly. Even turn-out should be returned to gradually, so the horse doesn't re-injure itself. Your horse will have lost muscle tone, and even bone-density if it's been kept in for a great deal of time. Your veterinarian can help you plan an appropriate re-conditioning program.