So your horse got hurt. He's alive but has maybe been on stall rest, has some nasty wounds, got seriously hurt and needs medication, you take your pick. What do you do during that long haul, the part where you can't do anything with him but really feel like you need to do something?
The Golden Rule: Do NOT just cease all contact. Your interactions with your horse, if you are lucky enough to be his sole caretaker, should consist of more than just dropping grain/hay during this time. Now more than ever, a horse who has been otherwise unable to go through the motions of a normal day with you (whatever those were) needs TLC and attention. Horses love routine, and that includes what you do with them. If you go from riding or otherwise spending a couple hours a day with your buddy to just saying hi when you come to feed or worse, not doing anything, he feels it, and it can and will affect his healing.
There is a lot you can do, depending on the severity of the injury, to keep your horse mentally entertained and happy. Touch is so important during this time, so don't discount taking him out for a thorough grooming a few times a week. Otherwise, have at this list:
- Treat him to a professional massage or pick up a book from your library or bookstore that teaches you a few basic strokes yourself. Learn some simple stretches too, while you're at it.
- Teach him tricks: how to "shake hands", nod/say "no", give a kiss, whatever is safe for him to do.
- Go hand graze if at all possible.
- Get inventive with stall toys. If he gets a small paddock to roam, don't underestimate the fun horses can have with big, bouncy yoga balls. Create a "treat dispenser" out of a 2 L soda bottle or milk jug: he has to figure out that the bottle has to roll for the treats to come out. This will entertain him for HOURS (not joking, did it once: get your lawn chairs out folks, this can be hilarious to watch).
- Learn to braid: take the time while your horse is munching on hay to learn how to braid manes and tails. This is actually a good way to spend time and touch your horse while doing something useful.
- Give him a spa day. Wash his tail or do a full bath, trim all his long fuzzies, make him the best dressed horse in the barn.
- Speaking of trimming, if there is something your horse really hates, like clippers, take this as an opportunity to accustom him to them. It doesn't have to be traumatic, but several positive short exposures over a period of a few days or weeks can eliminate a fear response.
If worse comes to worse, sit in his stall/paddock and read, do homework, do your taxes, send emails, whatever floats your boat. Horses like company, and they aren't picky about the form. If you have a good relationship with your horse, sitting in his stall while he eats and just being present can be very soothing (for both of you...) I did this with Ernie on a regular basis during his confinement from a suspensory injury. I think it may have saved his sanity (and mine).
Next up, P3: Getting Back to Work
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