Sometimes a horse temporarily gets stall rest to recover. If a horse is put on stall rest due to an injury, this is inevitably accompanied by changes in mood. Movement is extremely important for the well-being of a horse and especially free movement such as grazing. When a horse is deprived of free movement, the horse becomes stressed. Due to this, there is a good chance that behavioral problems (psychological problems) will arise. The term boredom is an understatement in box rest. Long-term stress can manifest itself in stereotyped behavior such as weaving, air sucking or auto-mutilation (the horse damages itself). The horse can also become grumpy or aggressive in the stable, develop feeding time or exhibit aggressive behavior towards people and horses passing by. 

Free movement is also often the moment that horses have social contact with other horses. Horses on stall rest often miss this. One of the most important parts of social contact is nibbling together, also known as “grooming”. Grooming ensures that a horse becomes calm, it lowers the heart rate. Exercise is also important for health, exercise stimulates blood flow through which nutrients and oxygen are circulated and waste can be removed. Movement is also important for the intestines, movement helps the horse to keep the intestines active. 

Feeding horses on stall rest 

Sometimes stall rest is unavoidable, support your horse optimally during this difficult period with a suitable feeding ration. The Hartog Senior is extremely suitable for rehabilitating horses, the product delivers slowly released energy so that the horse does not get hot. In addition, the Hartog Senior provides the horse with a high concentration of vitamins and minerals so that the body can recover well. In addition, the product contains a herbal blend that supports the horse to stay mentally fit. 

(Early) Retirement 

Some injuries do not recover enough to allow the horse to get back to work, as a result of which a horse is sometimes forced to retire early. It is also possible that an older horse does not have an acute injury but is so outdated that the horse is no longer suitable to work with. The retired horse often receives less (long) attention, is no longer brushed daily and often gets a monotonous life. Fortunately, unlike a horse with stall rest, a retired horse can walk in the pasture with peers, so that the essential basic needs of social contact can be provided. Research has shown that older horses move less than young or adult horses. This may be due to the fact that the horse is worn out and therefore experiences discomfort with movement. Old horses are therefore often described by people as grumpy. 

Older horses can be gloomy, with herbs from the Hartog Senior, these horses can be supported to stay mentally fit. This food is specially formulated for older horses. It is therefore also easily absorbed by horses with dental problems and reduced chewing capacity.