What to Do When a Horse Is Cast in His Stall

A cast horse is an emergency.

A horse becomes cast when it rolls in its stall, and it can quickly get its bent legs stuck in the corner of the stall. This is an emergency situation for a horse, which can quickly injure itself from panic or injure muscles after being stuck in that position for hours.

Procedure

Walk to behind the horse to the area of ears and neck. Pull on the mane to help the horse shift body weight and free the forelegs from the stall wall.

Alternative

If pulling on the mane does not help, obtain a soft rope, like a lunge line. Stand by the horse's neck, shoulders or back just before the rump. Wrap the rope around the fetlock of one foreleg that is jammed against the stall wall. Pull to help the horse roll over, straighten its legs and stand.

Warning

Never walk in between any part of the horse and the stall wall to roll the horse over. If the horse suddenly thrashes, you can be seriously injured.

References

• Equine Veterinary Services: Dr. Christi Garfunkel: Helping a Cast Horse
• Horse and Hound: Coping with a Cast Horse
• Equisearch: Caring for the Cast Horse

Resources

• Practical Horsekeeping: How to Help a Cast Horse
• YouTube: "Cast Horse (Stuck in a Stall.)" Geoff Tucker, DVM