Comments on: Down For the Count

By: michelle

michelle — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:46:08 +0000

It’s amazing what a bit of leverage can do! It’s not always easy though, and it’s much better if you have help.

By: Arlene

Arlene — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:58:59 +0000

I never would have thought of that. Kind of hard to realize you can flip a big horse by yourself but these are sound tips.

By: michelle

michelle — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:39:47 +0000

Yes, it is scary, Juliette. Fortunately, the horse is always eventually righted and on his way – I guess the key is to minimize the damage to all involved! I find that leverage is the key when trying to flip a cast horse, where you place your ropes can make all the difference. I also find that desensitizing my horses to my presence when they are laying down is helpful as well. I want my animals completely comfortable with me when they are in a prone position – you’d be surprised how far trust can take you in handling a situation like this.

By: juliette

juliette — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:50:56 +0000

Thanks for the tips. You are completely right – this seems to only happen when you have no help around. Staying calm is the key, but it is soooo scary, I think. I try to help, but how? They are so big and even ropes don’t always work. Very frustrating!