by Jessica Pyle

Created on: January 04, 2007   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

When a horse owner leaves their horse in the care of others, it can be a nerve wracking experience. The thoughts of what might go wrong can plague you, even if you have faith in the abilities of the caregivers. What if's can play games with your mind; what if the horse becomes ill, what if they get out, what if he or she is injured, what if there's an emergency where a vet is necessary?

I house sit for a man who owns five horses. They are all in close quarters, wandering freely around a large stall. One night, we came down to feed and found his older mare in one of the covered areas. She had been kicked by one of his newer horses, and her leg hung limp. She had a baseball sized wound on the inside of her back thigh and she was squirting blood from an open vein. We immediately called his neighbors, who also owned horses. They came over right away and helped us to keep her comfortable. We tried to call the vet listed, but he wouldn't come up until the morning. Luckily, our neighbors had their vet and call her right away. She came out as soon as she could and examined her. Needless to say, the mare's leg was broken, and she needed to be put to sleep. We spent the next forty-five minutes or so trying to contact the owner. After we finally caught him, he spoke to the vet for five minutes before giving permission. Two hours after we found her, she was euthanized.

That's why it's essential to have a plan in effect. If the horse is being watched at home, be sure that there are friends with horse savvy who can be called for help in the case of an emergency. Leave a list of emergency numbers, including, but not limited to, your vet and farrier. Have a plan for any extreme situation, including if your horse needs to be euthanized. Should you be unavailable, tell a family member or close friend what you would want should your horse be in pain. Having these plans ready may help your horse, and ease your nerves.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Pyle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.