Stall rest for horses – How to optimally support your horse in healing and regeneration
Patricia Rathgebbox rest.
The bad news for many horse owners.
Stall rest is for horses the worst-case scenario. Whether after an injury or an operation - if the horse is suddenly no longer allowed to move as usual, this not only puts its body to the test, but also its psyche. It often becomes a real ordeal .
How can you arrange stable rest so that your horse recovers as best as possible without suffering mental or physical damage? And what modern therapy options support healing?
In this article you will learn:
- When box rest is necessary
- What risks arise from lack of exercise
- How to optimally care for your horse
- Which innovative technologies accelerate the healing process
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Why is box rest prescribed for horses?
During box rest, the horse is only allowed to stand in a limited area (usually in a box) for a certain period of time in order to protect its health and keep the risk of injury as low as possible .
Veterinarians prescribe box rest in the following cases:
- Injuries to the tendons, ligaments or joints (e.g. suspensory ligament damage, tendon damage, coffin bone fracture)
- After operations (e.g. colic surgery, arthroscopy, fracture treatment)
- Severe muscle or nerve damage
- infectious diseases
The aim of box rest is to avoid unnecessary strain and uncontrolled movement so that the healing process can proceed optimally. The risk of subsequent injuries or poor healing if the horse can move freely over a large area is too great . For example, abrupt braking or turning at high speed lead to strain that can have a negative effect on the healing process.
But what does box rest mean for your horse?
Effects of box rest on body & psyche
Physical challenges due to lack of exercise
- Muscle loss : Less exercise leads to rapid muscle loss, especially in the hindquarters.
- Poor circulation : Blood circulation slows down, causing swelling ( e.g. congestion in the legs) .
- Digestive problems : Less movement = slower intestinal activity, which promotes colic.
- Joint stiffness & tendon shortening : Lack of movement can make the joints stiffer and prolong the healing process.
Mental strain & stress for the horse
- Boredom & frustration : Horses are running animals. Locked in a box, they quickly develop stress.
- Aggressive or nervous behavior : The longer horses stand without variety and activity, the harder it is for them to deal with the pent-up energy. Unfortunately , restlessness, cribbing, weaving or other behavioral problems often increase.
- Social isolation : Horses that have no opportunity to see other horses suffer particularly badly from loneliness. But even with stable neighbors within sight, without direct contact, this time is a test of endurance for most horses.
So that your horse can rest during the box rest To make sure that you feel as comfortable as possible , you should take targeted countermeasures.
How to make the box rest more bearable
optimizing posture
- Choose a larger box : Ideally a box with a window choose . If permitted by the veterinarian, possibly also a Use a paddock box . (Of course, this also depends on the horse.)
- Maintain horse company : Direct contact with other horses reduces stress.
- Adjust bedding : If necessary, use shavings instead of straw to avoid hoof problems.
Creating employment opportunities and peace
- Offer toys or licks : Stimulates the mind and reduces frustration.
- Playing music or the radio quietly can have a calming effect .
Adjust feeding & metabolism
Low-energy but nutrient-rich food forms the basis during this time:
Less concentrate , more roughage . But be careful: only give as much as the horse needs. Weight gain is neither desired nor beneficial for most horses.
Targeted mineralization for optimal regeneration
During the box rest, the need for essential trace elements remains high, while feed intake is reduced. Zinc, manganese and copper in particular are essential for the regeneration of tendons, cartilage and bones. Calcium-rich mineral feeds are unsuitable during this phase, as they inhibit the absorption of these important trace elements.
🔹 Zinc & wound healing : Essential for the immune system & cell regeneration after injuries or operations.
🔹 Magnesium & Relaxation : Supports muscle relaxation & reduces stress while standing.
Targeted supplementation helps to compensate for nutrient deficiencies , accelerate the healing process and optimally support the metabolism .
We recommend that you seek nutritional advice from an expert so that the feeding is optimally adapted to the healing process!
Supportive therapies for faster regeneration
To ensure that your horse does not have to stay in the box for an unnecessarily long time, you can use targeted therapies in consultation with your veterinarian to speed up the healing process. These include, for example :
🌿 Physiotherapy & Osteopathy
- Loosens tense muscles
- Promotes blood circulation
- Prevents muscle loss
- Promotes lymphatic drainage
💡 Light , heat & magnetic field therapy
- Infrared deep heat improves blood circulation
- Photobiomodulation (light therapy) supports cell regeneration
- Magnetic field therapy for pain relief, relaxation and regeneration
These technologies are also used in the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX and the BIOS horse blanket for use.
The role of the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX & the BIOS horse blanket during box rest
The EQUUSIR BEST-BOX is an innovative regeneration system based on proven methods. It combines:
- Infrared-B deep heat → Promotes blood circulation & regeneration
- Photobiomodulation (light therapy) → Supports cell metabolism
- Precise analysis & individual program → Tailored to the horse
Advantages of the BIOS horse blanket for horses in stable rest
- Better circulation: Prevents congestion in the legs .
- Pain relief : Relaxes muscles & relieves pain .
- Stress reduction : Supports mental relaxation.
- Faster Regeneration : Increases cellular metabolism for more effective healing.
- Individual programs : Thanks to the 5+1 programs, you can optimally adapt each application to the horse .
📊 The BEST-BOX health report
The BEST-BOX creates a detailed 360° analysis of the horse at the cellular level and provides recommendations for:
- feeding
- training
- Get expert opinion (veterinarians, physiotherapists, ... )
- attitude
With the EQUUSIR BIOS You can also use the blanket to protect your horse during and after Do something good for the box rest :
- Support the regeneration and healing process
- The mental stress during the box rest and in the rehabilitation phase , reduce
- stimulate vital functions ( includes: the three vital body functions: brain activity, breathing and blood circulation)
- Support the development and regeneration of muscles during the active building phase
Use box rest as wellness time
The stable rest offers an ideal opportunity to take intensive care of the horse's well-being. Instead of hectic grooming under time pressure, an extensive care program can now be integrated into everyday life.
Conscious care : Brushing, massaging and scratching not only promote blood circulation, but also strengthen trust. If you carefully observe the horse's body language, you will quickly recognize which touches it particularly enjoys or where tensions are present.
Relaxation through massage : Gentle massage techniques can relieve tension and help the horse to recover. It is important to pay attention to signals such as mouth pinching or turning away - these show when a spot is uncomfortable. Our tip: Have your therapist show you the possible massage techniques beforehand!
Relaxation through aromatherapy: Selected oils can relax the horse and you can also resort to hand inhalation with oils . Get advice from a therapist points show you how to use these oils correctly.
Lymphatic drainage brushing : This is a great support for your horse, especially in the case of swelling . In any case, please consult your therapists so that you know how it works and what you should pay attention to with your horse .
Supporting the healing process with the BIOS horse blanket : Daily use supports the healing process in the body and also allows you to help your horse to calm down on a mental level. Especially in the initial phase, you can help your horse to have more rest (“Relax ” program) and less pain (“Calm” program).
These quiet, shared moments strengthen the bond and help the horse to get through the stable rest more relaxed.
Active box rest: targeted use of movement
Although box rest is often associated with complete immobility, controlled movement can be useful or even beneficial in many cases. It supports blood circulation, stimulates lymph flow and intestinal activity , and reduces muscle breakdown . All of this is also essential for the best possible healing success - for example in the case of tendon damage.
🔹 Individual exercise plan : Whether and how much exercise is possible depends on the diagnosis. Your veterinarian will decide which measures are suitable and to what extent they can be carried out.
🔹 Safe forms of movement : Depending on the case, light movement can be promoted by the following methods:
- Guided step training – short, quiet walks by hand , starting with a few minutes a day and up to 30-40 minutes daily.
- Movement on the treadmill or in the horse walker – controlled activity
- aqua training – relieves the joints and promotes muscle building
- Rehabilitation centers – professional care and targeted therapy
⚠️ Important : Any exercise may only be carried out after consultation with the veterinarian * and the therapist ! Always pay attention to your horse's body language to avoid overload or discomfort.
With the right support, box rest becomes stress-free & effective
Stall rest does not have to mean that your horse suffers. You can shape and support this more actively than it may seem at first glance. With an adapted posture, targeted therapies and innovative technologies such as the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX or the BIOS horse blanket you can optimally support the healing process.
👉 Would you like to learn more about the BEST-BOX or test the BIOS horse blanket ?
📩 Get advice now without obligation!
