Get Your Cast Horse Back on Its Feet

 Make sure all blankets fit well, and that leg and belly straps aren’t too loose. If your horse wears a halter all the time, be sure it is the breakaway type so if the halter catch on anything or the horse puts a hoof through it while scratching, the halter will break easily.

If your horse insists on rolling in its stall, anti-cast back bands can prevent it from doing so. Be sure that gaps under doors and feeders are either tight against the floor or high enough that a horse can’t get stuck beneath them. Stalls with rails, rather than solid walls are not a good idea. If your horse digs holes in deep bedding or dirt floors, try to keep the surface as flat as possible. If you use deep bedding methods, be sure that the surface is flat and even.

Preventing and Dealing With Falls in Trailers

In a trailer, you may need to remove any other horses, and if possible, partitions. Be sure the floors are non-slip.

 Some people dislike putting bedding down in their trailers because they feel they make the floor slipperier. Others feel bedding makes the footing more secure. What you choose will depend upon the type of mat already in your trailer. Always use quick-release snaps when tying your horse in the trailer. When driving, drive slower than you normally would, and take it easy on turns and bends.

Stop and start gradually, doing everything you can to give your horse a smooth ride.

If your horse does go down, you’ll need help. Be very cautious working in the small confines of the trailer. Depending on how the horse lands, it may be better to pull it out the front, than the rear—providing, of course, the front door isn’t too small.

Remember not to panic and work slowly, always looking after your own safety first.