Stall Rest suggestions for the fat and bitchy horse...

[KarenC]

My older Morgan mare has a soft tissue injury that is unfortunately going to require stall rest. She is a fattie (I had started her back into work to get some of the weight off and then she went and injured herself in the pasture), so just throwing a bunch of hay at her to keep her occupied is not going to work. In addition, she is a BEAST when not in work - this mare LOVES to have a job - and I'm afraid she's giong to kill me when she finds herself resigned to not only no job, but stall confinement 24x7.

First thing, I need to stretch her small ration of hay as long as possible. I'm wondering if I should go with a small hole hay net or the nibblenets - which would slow her down more? I'm leaning towards the small hole haynet, but would love to hear experiences. Any other ideas on making her work for every morsel?

I'm also thinking about trying to teach her some tricks during this down time. She already knows a couple and is wicked smart, been clicker trained and remembers everything she's ever learned. Any good books with ideas for different tricks I could teach her? I work from a home office so can head out to work with her for short periods throughout the day.

Any other suggestions to keep her as entertained as possible are appreciated. She will have company the majority of the time, and as soon as the vet approves, I will start creating a tiny paddock with portable panels for her so she can get out at least for part of the day with her herd.

[ChocoMare]

Jingles for a speedy recovery, first off :yes:

Second, keep her eating slow with a Small Mesh Hay Net (http://millerharness.com/product.aspx?p=X4-27286) - You can easily get 3 to 4 flakes out of 35/40 pound bale into one.

Just put the flakes on an upside down bucket and pull the net down/over it - then flip. I pull the draw string up in four sections into one end of a Heavy-Duty/Jumbo Snap Clip and hang it at face level. It truly makes them eat at grazing speed and, since they usually get annoyed at it (:D), it keeps their mind occupied. Plus the one I linked to is VERY tough... my two have stood up to great abuse by my two drafties and still are in great shape.

[threedogpack]

if she is already clicker savvy....teach her to rest whichever foot you point at, teach her to prick her ears, teach her to put her foot in a bucket for soaking, teach her to bow, teach her to touch a goblin, touch her right side, touch her left side, lay down, come, stay, spanish walk, sidepass, turn on the haunches, turn on the forehand, retrieve.

[mvp]

Books ?!?

Get her a flat screen and 1,000 channels of cable.

Not helpful, I know. But definitely try a nibble net, plus a changing set of cheap toys. The smart, bored, angry ones really like a couple of rocks in a gallon-sized plastic milk jug hung up. They can make all sorts of noise that lets everyone know their feelings.

And don't worry. You will think of other on-the-ground things to teach your mare.

You might even experiment with some home-brew massage and stretches you wouldn't ordinarily take the time to learn.

In general, she will come to accept her confinement and you will think of new things to do to keep her occupied. Give it time and ingenuity.