Nutrition for Thorougbred at rest and not happy about it

Question
Hi:  My 9yrs old Thoroughbred mare (15.2) was injured 2 months ago on a hunt.  The next day she was dead lame.  Initially the vet diagnosed a bruise and abcess.  The x-rays were ok.  The abcess came out through the hoof just below the crown near the heel where he thought she was bruised.  We rested her and I began riding (walking and trotting only) her about 30 minutes a day.  Then after turning her out later on thinking she was better, she was lame the next day again but not dead lame. The vet did an ultrasound and dignosed a torn tendon (deep flexor)just above the hoof (Front left leg).  She has been put at rest for 6 months with 15-20 minutes walking per day recommendation.  I left the barn on Dec 13 approximately with agreement that the owner would walk her.  I found out today (Dec 30) that she was walked 3 times only.  She appears grumpy. She will not let me put the alter on above her ears (she started this earlier on in December and this is very unusual for her and continues to do so) and she has turned twice on me in her box raising her rear and bucking (a little).  I took her walking today with two other horses in the arena.  She stood up twice.  I came back when no one was there.  She was better but ready to rear front and back legs at any time.  She use to be on fat & fiber and was doing well character wise.  I undersand the barn owner changed the diets one month ago and has now put her on grain and regular hay.  Being she is at rest, she receives a bit of grain (a handful) in the morning and at night.  She gets hay in the morning at lunch and afternoon.  What do you recommend to help keep her calm given she is at rest and that it is best to walk her every day? thank you!!

Answer
hi diane,
i would take her off any grain that would make her hot such as oats and corn. switch your hay to a grass hay or a 4 way hay. that way she doesnt get to much energy from it. you can get a natural calmer called mare magic. this is basically rassprberry leaves and it helps the mares and geldings calm down tremendously. feed her according to the directions and mix the mare magic with a grain that wont make her hot. such as rice bran,wheat bran, beet pulp, even a very small amount of complete feed would work. with these changes your horse will definitly be more calm and easier to handle. good luck.
amanda groff