🛑 Vet Guide: Safely Handling a Recumbent Horse | 2025 Emergency Tips for Down Horses & Rescue Safety 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

There’s nothing more alarming than discovering your horse lying down and unable—or unwilling—to rise. Whether the cause is illness, trauma, or exhaustion, a **recumbent horse is always an emergency**. But attempting to help without proper knowledge can make the situation worse—for both you and the horse. 🧠⚠️

In this 2025 guide, I’ll explain how to **handle a down horse safely**, what precautions to take, and when to involve your veterinarian. 🩺🧰

🧠 Why Down Horses Are So Dangerous

Even though a horse lying down may appear helpless, a recumbent horse is still **incredibly strong and reactive**. They can paw, thrash, or even kick while flat on the ground, often **without warning**. ❗

Risks Include:

• 💥 Serious injuries to handlers or bystanders
• 🩸 Trauma to the horse’s head, limbs, or spine
• 🚫 Unsafe spaces like trailers, stalls, or muddy paddocks

Knowing **how to approach, restrain, and support** a down horse can protect lives—yours and theirs. 🧠

🩺 First Step: Call Your Veterinarian Immediately

If your horse is down and not getting up within 5–10 minutes, call your vet. A down horse may be experiencing: 🧪

• ⚠️ Colic or gastrointestinal torsion
• 🧠 Neurologic disease (EPM, Wobbler, trauma)
• 💉 Hypocalcemia or metabolic collapse
• 💔 Injury, fracture, or weakness

Professional sedation and diagnostics are critical to avoid further harm. 📞

🧤 Essential Safety Equipment

When working around a down horse, protect yourself with: 🛡️

• 🪖 **Helmet** – A thrashing head can strike handlers with force
• 🥾 **Sturdy boots** – Protect your feet if stepped on during rising attempts
• 🧤 **Gloves** – Useful for lead rope handling or holding pads
• 🧣 **Blankets or padding** – For protecting the horse’s head and eyes

📏 Where (and Where NOT) to Stand

• 🚫 Avoid standing **in front of the horse’s legs**
• 🚫 Never stand **between the legs** or **behind the horse**
• ✅ Stay at the **shoulder or head**, ideally near the upper neck

Even recumbent, horses can lash out with surprising speed and strength. 🦵💥

🛌 Calm the Horse & Protect the Head

One of the most effective ways to **minimize fear and movement** is to gently cover the horse’s head with a blanket or soft pad. 🧣

This Can Help:

• 🔇 Reduce visual stimulation
• 🧠 Lower anxiety
• 🩹 Prevent self-inflicted trauma

Speak calmly and confidently. A calm handler helps reduce panic. 🧠

🔄 Goal: Get the Horse Sitting Sternal

Your first physical goal is to **help the horse sit sternal** (on their chest, with legs folded under). This improves breathing, circulation, and makes standing possible. 🎯

Modern Technique:

• 🪢 Place a halter and lead rope
• 👣 Stand near the **upper neck** of the horse
• 📏 Place your foot gently on the neck for control
• 📍 Use the halter to **tip the nose up and guide head control**

⚠️ Do NOT straddle the horse’s neck or use your knee—this old technique can cause injury or provoke panic. ❌

⚠️ Special Situations: Trailers & Tight Spaces

If a horse goes down in a horse trailer or stall, the **risk of injury increases drastically**. The walls and lack of space increase pressure and danger. 🛻

Call Your Vet If:

• 🚪 The horse is wedged against a wall or divider
• 🩸 There is visible trauma or bleeding
• 💉 Sedation is needed to reposition safely

In these cases, sedation may not take full effect due to adrenaline—so professional help is critical. 🧪

📲 Use Ask A Vet for Recumbent Emergencies

The Ask A Vet app gives you tools and access to expert advice during a recumbent horse event:

• 📸 Upload photos or video to get remote feedback
• 📱 Ask about positioning or head protection methods
• 🧠 Get guidance for colic, metabolic crashes, or downed transport
• 🧰 Plan ahead with a down-horse emergency checklist

Preparation is your best defense. 🐴📲

✅ Recumbent Horse Handling Takeaways for 2025

• ⚠️ Down horses are dangerous and unpredictable—even when quiet
• 🧠 Avoid front, behind, or between the legs
• 🧣 Cover the head, speak calmly, and protect vital areas
• 💉 Call your vet early and request sedation if needed
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet for emergency guidance, especially in tight spaces

📲 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Recumbency is a frightening situation for any horse owner—but it’s also dangerous. By approaching with the right technique, protective gear, and veterinary support, you can **improve the odds of a safe outcome** for everyone involved. 🧠💙

Download the Ask A Vet app to prepare for equine emergencies, access step-by-step safety protocols, and get expert support when it matters most. 🐎📱