Stall rest for horses – How to optimally support your horse in healing and regeneration
Patricia RathgebPit rest.
The bad news for many horse owners.
Box rest for the horse d is The worst-case scenario. Whether after an injury or surgery – when a horse is suddenly no longer allowed to move as usual, it puts not only its body but also its psyche to the test. It often becomes a true ordeal .
How can you structure stable rest so that your horse can recover as best as possible without suffering mental or physical harm? And what modern therapeutic options support healing?
In this article you will learn:
- When box rest is necessary for horses
- What risks arise from a 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 crate rest in the following cases:
- Injuries to 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 goal of stable rest is to avoid unnecessary strain and uncontrolled movement , allowing the healing process to proceed optimally. The risk of secondary injuries or poor healing is too great if the horse is allowed to move freely over a large area . For example, abrupt braking or turning from high speeds can cause strain that can negatively impact the healing process.
But what does box rest mean for your horse?
Effects of box rest on body and mind
Physical challenges due to lack of exercise
- Muscle loss : Less exercise leads to rapid muscle loss, especially in the hindquarters.
- Poor circulation : Blood circulation is slowed down, which leads to swelling ( e.g. congestion in the legs) .
- Digestive problems : Less movement = slower bowel activity, which promotes colic.
- Joint stiffness & tendon shortening : Lack of movement can make joints stiffer and prolong the healing process.
Mental strain & stress for the horse
- Boredom & frustration : Horses are runners. When confined to a stable, they quickly become stressed.
- Aggressive or nervous behavior : The longer horses are left standing without variety or activity, the harder it is for them to deal with their pent-up energy. Restlessness, cribbing, weaving, and other behavioral problems unfortunately often increase.
- Social isolation : Horses that don't have the opportunity to see other horses suffer particularly from loneliness. But even with stable neighbors within sight, without direct contact, this time is a strain for most horses.
So that your horse can rest during the box rest To feel as comfortable as possible , you should therefore take targeted countermeasures.
How to make the box rest more bearable
Optimize 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.)
- Maintaining horse company : Direct contact with other horses reduces stress.
- Adjust bedding : If necessary, use shavings instead of straw to avoid hoof problems.
Create 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 desirable nor beneficial for most horses.
Targeted mineralization for optimal regeneration
During the box rest period, 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 your pet's feeding is optimally adapted to the healing process!
Supportive therapies for faster regeneration
To prevent your horse from spending unnecessarily long periods in the stable, you can consult with your veterinarian to use targeted therapies to accelerate the healing process. These include , for example :
🌿 Physiotherapy & Osteopathy
- Relaxes 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, among other things :
- Feeding
- training
- Obtain expert opinion (veterinarians, physiotherapists, ... )
- attitude
With the EQUUSIR BIOS You can also use a 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
Stall rest for your horse offers an ideal opportunity to focus on your four-legged friend's well-being. Instead of hectic grooming under time pressure, a thorough grooming routine can now be integrated into your daily routine.
Conscious grooming : Brushing, massaging, and scratching not only promote blood circulation but also build trust. If you carefully observe your horse's body language, you'll quickly recognize which touches it particularly enjoys or where tensions are present.
Relaxation through massage : Gentle massage techniques can relieve tension and support the horse's recovery. It's important to pay attention to signals such as muzzle tightening or turning away—these indicate when an area 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 use hand inhalation with oils . Here too, let a therapist indicates show you how to use these oils correctly.
Lymphatic drainage grooming : This is a great support for your horse, especially in cases of swelling . However, always 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 body's healing process and also allows you to help your horse calm down mentally . Especially in the initial phase, you can help your horse achieve more rest ("Relax " program) and less pain ("Calm" program).
These quiet, shared moments strengthen the bond and help the horse to get through the box rest more relaxed.
Active box rest: targeted use of movement
Although stable rest is often associated with complete immobility in horses, controlled exercise can be beneficial or even beneficial in many cases. It supports blood circulation, stimulates lymphatic flow and intestinal activity , and reduces muscle loss . All of this is also essential for the best possible healing outcome – for example, in cases of tendon damage.
🔹 Individual exercise plan : Whether and how much exercise is possible depends on the diagnosis. Your veterinarian will decide which measures are appropriate 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 the hand , starting with a few minutes a day and going 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 movement may only be permitted after consultation with the veterinarian and the therapist ! Always pay attention to your horse's body language to avoid overexertion or discomfort.
With the right support, box rest becomes stress-free & effective
Stall rest doesn't have to mean your horse is suffering. You can actively shape and support this rest more than it might seem at first glance. With adapted housing, targeted therapies, and innovative technologies like 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 a free, non-binding consultation now!
