Q: My pony is on box rest and hates it. How can I make it easier for him?
A: Box rest can be really difficult for your pony, especially if he is the only one left behind when all of his friends go outside.
If your pony gets stressed when his friends leave, the key thing for him will be having some company around him. It might be worth asking people at your yard if there are any other horses or ponies who might be able to stay in with him – even if there are a few who take it in turns so that their time in the paddock is not too limited. If this is not possible, you could try and stable him where he can see a busy area of the yard, a paddock or an arena where people are riding for most of the day so that he still feels part of the action. You could also try and schedule your visits to him for the times when the other horses are out so that he has company from you during these times.
Of course, it goes without saying that you need to make sure that your pony has 24/7 access to hay, as this will also help to keep him occupied during his box rest and reduce the risk of ulcers developing due to stress. If your pony does not have food or friends, he will be even more stressed and risks getting sick!
Stable toys can also help as a distraction, particularly those that release treats every so often.
If your pony is not coping with box rest, chat to your vet and see if they can advise on a calming supplement to help reduce the anxiety levels. Ponies are herd animals, so separating them from their friends is stressful, and sometimes a calming supplement can really help them to cope. You don’t need to give it forever – just until your pony has completed their box rest schedule.
