What To Do

First, recognize the DANGER. A horse that is down can rapidly thrash or paddle with the legs, severely injuring a person in the wrong place. Always stand behind the horse and NEVER near the legs.

Contact your vet immediately. While you are waiting, you can help by gathering important information about the horse and the situation.

Start by looking the horse over generally for obvious injuries or signs of a struggle. Then, if the horse initially appears unresponsive, test that assumption. Look in their eye. Is it glazed over or is there some awareness? When you move your hand quickly toward the eye does the horse blink or move (menace response?) If not, touch the eyelashes and consider the response.

Being careful of the horse suddenly jumping up, clap your hands together near the face. Any response? Next, try to get the horse up, and assess their response. Try slapping the horse on the soft part of the side of the muzzle. Any response? Standing three feet behind the horse’s head, rush toward them, stomping your feet hard on the ground. Any response? Are they reluctant to rise or do they try? Are they weak or uncoordinated in their attempt?

Again, ALWAYS work from behind the horse's back where you are less likely to be injured. In rare cases, your horse may be more responsive than you think, and will jump to its feet if you stimulate it.

You can take a temperature and heart rate in a down horse but ALWAYS work from the back of the horse to avoid being kicked. Listen to the heart (again from behind the horse) and look at gum color and capillary refill time. If there is no response to your stimulation, or your horse tries but cannot rise, then stop until your vet arrives, when you can share your findings with them.

What Not To Do

Do not stand near the horse's legs. You can be severely injured.