Box Rest - Boredom Beaters!

[spotti]

I'm sure we've all had/will have/have currently got or know someone with a horse on box rest and I thought it might be nice to compile a list of things that can be done to ease the boredom (for both horse and owner!).

I'll get started: -

*hiding carrots around the stable
*massage
*swede on a string

...feel free to add your own

[fimacg]

stable mirrors
grooming
clicker training
stretches

[haffyfan]

*Feed balls/lickits/horse balls/football in haynet or on floor etc

*providing small amounts of hay in various postions around the stable

*Providing if possible a small outdoor yard area in addition to stable (like they often have in Australia) so they can mooch a bit if suitable

*Acess to groom with a friend during day even if over door (or if above is possible they can go in together)

*Again depends on reason for box rest but having a box sized pen in field or a big barn so they can interact with their herd

* paper feed sack with treats in and maybe a small amount of feed...they can explore the bag, pull it to pieces and finish by licking every last crumb/bit of carrot juice

*Interest box - a similiar idea to above really...just a safe box with stuff in they can investigate like brushes, rope (murph has a 'comfort' rope he likes to mouth/chew at times!), plastic bottles maybe, anything as long as they won't hurt themselves on it basically and a few hiden treats too in amongst it.

* Apple/carrot dunking (use shallow water!!)

[fleabitten]

apple/carrot dunking - i did this with connie to see if she would drink more but carrots actually sink! apples float. Thought that would be a nice bit of trivia for you ;D

[duckles]

I think all the above are brilliant ideas - my few suggestions all mentioned except, take in sticks as they sometimes enjoy chewing on them. And if possible, have them in the stable that has the best view of what's going on in the yard.