A horse that is down and unable to stand is a veterinary emergency. Every additional minute spent recumbent increases the risk of myopathy, pressure sores and respiratory complications. Here's what to do—step by step.
Initial Assessment: How Urgent Is the Situation?
Before approaching the horse, observe it from a safe distance. A struggling horse can unintentionally cause serious injury. Assess the following:
- How long has the horse been down? After two hours, the risk of serious complications increases significantly.
- Is the horse still attempting to stand? Repeated efforts quickly deplete energy reserves and may worsen existing injuries.
- Is the horse breathing normally? Any signs of respiratory distress require immediate veterinary attention.
- Are there visible wounds or bleeding? Trauma may explain why the horse is unable to stand.
Common Causes
A horse that cannot stand may be affected by a number of different conditions. The most common include:
- Severe osteoarthritis: painful joints that prevent the horse from standing.
- Myopathy: muscle damage or stiffness, often following strenuous exercise or general anaesthesia.
- Colic: severe abdominal pain that leaves the horse unable to rise.
- Trauma: fractures, sprains or other injuries affecting mobility.
- General weakness: commonly seen in elderly, malnourished or recovering horses.
- Recovery from anaesthesia: temporary weakness or poor coordination following surgery.
What to Do Immediately
1. Stay Calm and Secure the Area
Your horse will sense your stress. Remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and keep other animals and bystanders away to minimise additional stress.
2. Never Try to Force the Horse to Stand
Pulling on the limbs or head can cause fractures, dislocations and further injury. Without specialist equipment, attempting to lift the horse manually is dangerous for both the animal and the people involved.
3. Prevent Further Injury
If possible, place straw or blankets beneath the horse's head and flanks to reduce pressure points. Ensure the horse is not lying on its back (dorsal recumbency), as this position can rapidly become life-threatening due to pressure on the internal organs.
4. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately
Don't waste valuable time searching online. Call your veterinarian immediately and provide details including how long the horse has been down, its position, visible signs of pain and any relevant medical history. Make a note of the exact time the horse went down or was found.
5. Keep the Horse Warm and Offer Water
While waiting for veterinary assistance, keep the horse warm in cold conditions and offer water within reach if it is conscious, alert and able to drink safely.
The Risks of Prolonged Recumbency
- Recumbency-associated myopathy: compressed muscles may begin to suffer irreversible damage within as little as two hours.
- Pressure sores: prolonged pressure causes painful tissue damage where the body contacts the ground.
- Diaphragm compression: the weight of the abdominal organs restricts lung function and makes breathing increasingly difficult.
- Metabolic complications: metabolic acidosis can develop rapidly in an immobilised horse.
- Exhaustion and loss of motivation: after several hours, some horses stop attempting to stand, even if the original obstacle has been resolved.
How Veterinary Professionals Respond
Your veterinarian will diagnose the underlying cause and administer appropriate treatment, but safely lifting the horse remains a major challenge.
Traditional lifting methods such as ropes, slings and pulleys carry significant risks, including fractures caused by excessive traction, joint injuries and severe stress. Modern equine practice increasingly relies on pneumatic lifting systems that raise the horse gradually, evenly and without harmful pulling forces.
Equi-lift: A Professional Lifting Solution
Equi-lift is a patented pneumatic lifting system developed by veterinarians Pierre Schoenaers and Mathilde Bourély. Manufactured in Belgium, it is trusted by veterinarians, fire and rescue services, and horse owners across Europe.
The principle is simple: the deflated cushion is positioned beneath the recumbent horse before being inflated over approximately 4 to 5 minutes. The horse is lifted progressively and gently, without placing traction on the limbs or spine. The entire system can be operated by a single person.
Equi-lift is available in several models to suit different situations:
- Equi-lift Classic: Ideal for field emergencies involving osteoarthritis, myopathy and traumatic injuries.
- Equi-lift Model H: Features an abdominal support harness for horses with recurring difficulty standing.
- Equi-lift Model RC: Designed specifically for recovery following anaesthesia—the stage during which 32% of anaesthesia-related equine fatalities occur.
- Equi-lift Model M: A modular inflatable surgical support system for operating theatres.
Conclusion
When a horse cannot stand, the first few minutes are critical. Stay calm, secure the area, never attempt to pull the horse to its feet, and contact your veterinarian immediately. For owners and professionals who regularly encounter these situations, a purpose-built pneumatic lifting system can make a life-saving difference.
To learn more about the Equi-lift range or request a personalised quotation, contact our team.
