Topper decided since it's been a couple of decades since I've dealt with a cast horse he would test my skills this morning. Casting is when a horse gets itself stuck close-in against a vertical surface, too close to be able to use its own leg power to get out of it. This is usually in a stall, but I've had it happen against a fence and even a snowbank. I have a long lead rope I use for the purpose of pulling them out. You loop the rope around the hind leg closest to the surface, usually a wall, and PULL. The horse cannot help you so you need to get it turned away from the wall far enough for it to get up on its own power. It took us both pulling to get that old boy out of it. Once upon a time either one of us could do it alone. It's amazing what adrenaline can do.
*google image
*image from Google
Topper got on his feet and I swear he was indignant. A super athlete like himself caught in such a position! It's hard for me to believe he is 28 years old. He's my special fellow.
When we were both younger.
12 comments:
So horses aren't always so smart either:) Are both photos of Topper? Did his coat change colour that much?
Same question on the fur color. Puzzled as to why they can't roll over to get up. I never knew about this. What a dilemma!
The photo of the cast horse is not Topper, it's from google images. Yes, the bay is Topper from his, and my, youth. If the lay to close to a wall they can be cast. Also if the roll and are to close, same thing.
That is a goole image photo, not Tops. Horses use their legs to roll. If the legs are up close to a solid surface they can't get the momentum they nee to get themselves over and up. It's correctable and the horse usually stays calm after the initial OMG of their situation. Takes some brawn, but you can pull them over and then they do the rest.
Yes a cast horse is awful! Flipping them over like that is tricky work, watch out for flailing hooves!
Good thing you guys were able to help Topper! Bays are the bomb!
I didn't know about cast horses. Glad you got him on his feet again.
That's what I have an extra long lead rope for, Val. I clasp makes it easy to get a loop and you are far enough from the horse to not get whacked! I have bays. Lots of bays. 😉
It hasn't happened for a long time, nick. I had a boarded draft horse here who made casting his occupation, even though he had an extra large stall. They say things happen in 3s. Loose horses, Topper cast, now what?
I knew about righting overturned sheep but this is new to me. I can see how he'd need space to get moving again. Your old knowledge back in play.
A lifetime of horses, especially in great numbers, is a firm teacher, Boud. I guess I'm still more than breadmaker!
Glad you were able to help him:)
Thanks, Far Side. It's relatively easy if you know how. The horse staying calm certainly helps!
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