Image borrowed from http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/0701cast.shtml

I recently received my latest issue of the Appaloosa Journal.  As I was perusing the pages, I came across a great little article on aiding a horse that is cast.   A horse becomes cast when he lays too close to a wall or other solid object and is unable to rise or roll over.  If you’ve dealt with horses much, you have likely encountered this scenario already.  If you haven’t, you will surely come across it at some point.  Most likely late at night when you are alone and have no help, if history holds true!  Even if you’ve dealt with a cast horse before, a little refresher is always in order.  So here it is, as referenced from the September 2009 issue of the App Journal, written by Michelle Anderson.

“Help a Cast Horse”

• Resist the Urge to Panic – Stay calm and relaxed and reassure your horse with soothing tones and unhurried movements
• Protect Yourself – Your safety is paramount!  Stay away from legs that may flail once he’s released.  Be sure you work from the horse’s back, keeping a safe distance from legs and hooves.
• Assess the Situation – Determine exactly how your horse is stuck and the best way to free him.  If it’s possible to remove panels or objects to enable him to rise, try that first.
• Protect his Eyes – Cast horses often toss their heads around in an effort to gain enough momentum to rise.  In the process wood shavings, dirt, or other foreign objects can injure your horse’s eyes.  Place a towel beneath his head to protect him as much as possible.
• Use Ropes to Move or Flip the Horse – Don’t tie ropes, simply loop them around your horse’s legs and chest.  Don’t ever pull on the horse’s halter or on just one leg.  Be sure to loop the rope around both front or rear legs so you don’t injure the horse.  As soon as the horse is free, release the ropes to avoid entanglement.  You’ll probably need help if it’s available.  If not, sometimes the added leverage of the rope is enough to help the horse rise.  Either try to flip the horse over or pull him away from the solid surface.  Be light on your feet – as soon as the horse is clear, he’ll jump up very quickly.
• Check the Horse for Injury – The horse may be scratched, swollen, punctured, or injured in some other way.  Carefully check him over and be sure he’s moving freely.