Observation

What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.

YOU ARE OBSERVING

Has Fallen or Collapsed When Ridden

Summary

SUMMARY

A horse falling down while being ridden is a scary and dangerous event for both horse and rider. A fall can range from a stumble and fall at slow speed to a catastrophic collapse at a gallop. Causes include musculoskeletal injuries (fractures, severe soft tissue injuries), neurologic disease affecting coordination, cardiovascular collapse (syncope), metabolic exhaustion, or mechanical falls on slippery or uneven ground.

YOUR ROLE

You should prioritize your own safety first, then assess the horse. If you are stuck under a horse, move slowly and try to slide out from underneath its weight. Quietly try to be sure your feet get out of the stirrups and are disentangled from tack, so that if the horse gets up suddenly you can bail off and are not dragged or rolled on.

A horse that falls and cannot rise is a veterinary emergency. Even if the horse gets up quickly and initially seems ok, a veterinary examination is warranted to rule out fractures, concussion, or internal injuries.

YOUR VET'S ROLE

Your vet will perform a thorough physical and lameness examination. They will assess neurologic function (coordination, cranial nerve reflexes, pupil symmetry), palpate all four limbs for heat, swelling, instability, or crepitus (crunching with movement) suggesting fracture. They will evaluate cardiovascular status (heart rate, rhythm, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time). If fracture is suspected, the area will be stabilized before the horse is moved. Depending on findings, radiographs, ultrasound, or blood work may be performed on-site or at a clinic. Very seriously injured horses may be euthanized on the spot if they cannot rise and it is thought prognosis is hopeless.
Some horses that have a single fall under adverse footing conditions may be normal and it might not happen again.
Even if the horse seems normal, your vet must carefully assess and test to determine why this happened, because obviously if the horse is to be ridden, the likelihood of falling must be very small.

Code Red

Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
- If the horse seems to be in distress.
- If you think your horse may have sustained a fracture or other severe injury.
- If there seems to be pain, swelling or lameness.
Code Orange

Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
- If you notice significant lameness and it does not disappear in 24 hours.
- The problem seems to have improved, but you are not sure if the lameness is completely resolved.
Code Yellow

Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
- If the horse seems to be moving freely, and has a normal appetite and attitude.
- If you notice any lameness or have any other concern.
- The problem seems to have improved, but you are not sure if the lameness is completely resolved.
- Even if the horse seems normal, it is best to start the conversation.
- Your vet can rule out common lameness conditions and recommend treatment or management.

You also might be observing

Very Common

Less Common

more observations

your role

What To Do

What Not To Do

Do not aggressively force a down horse to stand.
Do not whip or aggressively stimulate a horse that will not rise.
Do not attempt to ride the horse again until your vet has examined it and cleared it.
Do not administer medications without veterinary guidance.
Do not move a horse that may have a fracture or spinal injury more than necessary.
Do not ignore the event even if the horse appears fine afterward—some fractures and internal injuries may not be immediately obvious.
A horse that has fallen once may fall again. Do not assume it will not happen again.