Is it a horse-related emergency?
Find out what situations would be classified as an equine emergency.
Find out what situations would be classified as an equine emergency.
Examples of situations classed as an emergency:
Horses will lie down to sleep so it is important wherever possible to distinguish between a horse which is collapsed and one which is simply lying down.
Where the horse is unable to put one foot to the floor or clearly unable to put any weight on one limb. Horses will often 'rest' a hind leg when they're standing, so it is important wherever possible to distinguish between a lame horse and one which is resting a leg.
This is a serious condition which affects the hooves of the horse and severely affected animals will have a stilted or 'pottery' walk and may stand in a particular way, leaning back on their heels to relieve the weight on their front legs.
Anything which is obviously causing serious pain or distress to the horse.
This could include caught in fencing, stuck in a ditch, tangled in a tether or anything similar.
Please note: this list of emergency situations is not exhaustive - if the situation you're concerned about isn't on the list but you do think it's an emergency, please give us a call on our welfare line using the details below.
If you think the situation is an emergency, we need to speak with you to see if we have a Field Officer available to attend immediately or advise on other options if not. Please give us a call on:
0300 333 6000
Not an emergency? We can still help
Whose horses need help, or are likely to in the future?
Are you struggling to care for your horse, or think you may struggle in the future?
If you're concerned about someone you think is struggling to care for their horse, help and advice is available.
If you’re concerned about a client who’s struggling to care for their horse, help and advice is available.
More help for horse owners
If you own or run an equestrian business, have you considered succession planning?
Our Resources Hub has links to organisations that are experienced in supporting people going through challenging times
