Horse falling over???????

Question

my horse was just standing still and all most fell over? we had just put the saddle on her and it was like she just went lame on one side?she is an older horse 21 i think.y would she do this and have you ever had a horse do this?

Answer 1

she is old. You need to have her cked. for health issues. sounds like to me u may need to just put her out to pasture, and let her live the rest of her life out in peace and comfort. But like i said consult your lg. animal veterinarian he can point u in the right direction.  

Answer 2

Does she only do this when saddled?  If so, just be careful doing the girth/cinch up; sounds like she's "cinchy."  

There's a nerve plexus that runs through that area, and some horses are very sensitive there - either the nerves are more exposed or just more sensitive.  It's possible that as she's aged she's lost muscle mass and the area is now more exposed than it used to be.

These horses will react in many ways, but almost falling down is one of them!   If you put the girth on gently, and don't tighten it all at once, she'll do better.

If she does it other times, she's probably having a seizure and needs the vet out.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Nope, never had that happen, but let me just say, 21 years old is a very old horse. Maybe you should try to ride another horse in the Stables and let 'er be

Answer 4

Two things I thought of that it might be are "tying up" and having a stroke.

"Tying up" is something like muscle cramps. It usually happens after a horse has been working and then is put into a stall. The muscles stiffen up, sometimes it causes horses to fall over.

I'm not sure how common strokes are in horses... but it's just like strokes in people. However, if your horse was still able to walk around afterward, it probably wasn't a stroke. She is old, though, so it might be something else that's age-related.

Call your vet and explain the situation. They'll be able to tell you if it's something serious or if she just needs another day or two of pasture rest.