Horse fell out hacking

[Surbie]

I moved to a new yard just over a month ago. Today out hacking Arch seemed to lose his footing in front in trot, went down on both knees and bonked his nose on the ground. It's a fairly level surface, with a healthy covering of leaves. Archie was doing his standard 'trot next to the low branches' effort so I had my eyes closed to avoid the holly and was bending slightly. My hacking buddy said it looked like he slipped or just wasn't sure of his footing. It was over in seconds and he recovered - walked out well to go home with the mare he is fond of.

He has no heat, swelling or cuts on either leg, (I cold-hosed them anyway, just in case) and his nose was muddy but fine. He appears sound and is due the farrier next week (5 week cycle).

I'm worrying because he's never done anything like this while I've had him. It might be that he just slipped, but is there anything I should be looking out for?

 

[Nudibranch]

I'd pop knee boots on in future until I was happy it was a one off.
Damp leaves are pretty slippy so may have been that.

 

[Pippity]

Damp leaves are very slippery. I wouldn't worry unless it happens again.

 

[Cob Life]

Blues done it to me before riding in the fields.
there was a slight dip that he didn’t see as he was too busy ducking about because the person the other side of the hedge hadn’t shouted hello.
I’d stick knee boots on just in case but unless he seems off balance in other ways or does it again I wouldn’t worry.

 

[Gingerwitch]

Have you got road nails in I never tide on tarmac or stoney ground without knee boots on to, I have the tendon ones which extend over the knee. Some tarmac is lethal to hooves and bikes, was there any over band ? (black stuff round patches) as again this is lethal bikes have been trying to get it banned for a long time. Glad pony is okay and how is your shoulder and back?

 

[HobleytheTB]

Unless it's happening frequently I'd just write it off as a random misstep that we all do from time to time. A previous horse once went down on her knees with me whilst trotting in the school. Nothing at all to trip over etc! It never happened again thankfully.

 

[Red-1]

Archie was doing his standard 'trot next to the low branches' effort so I had my eyes closed to avoid the holly and was bending slightly. My hacking buddy said it looked like he slipped or just wasn't sure of his footing. ... but is there anything I should be looking out for?

I would put knee boots on as a precaution, but I think the above probably explains what happened.

When I got mine he was in plenty of tack, he too can do a moving graze in trees. I have been schooling in a snaffle, but the couple of times I have hacked, he has been in a Kimblewick. I have put him in a Pelham in preparation for renewed hacking, because I dislike the false feeling the slot on the Kimblewick gives, and the Pelham allows me to ride as a snaffle for most of the time, but there is a bit of a reminder if he gets into a tree. So far, it has only been when a car has forced us into the trees on the verge as it is a single track road, but once he is in a tree, he is pretty determined.

With a Pelham could you keep him doing what he supposed to be, rather than diving on his forehand? If mine tried to trot me under branches I think he would be sitting on his backside from a sharp halt rather than diving on his knees, if I was able at least!

Personally, I don't trot on the roads much at all, too much concussion, especially if the horse is on the forehand, especially if you are also tipped forwards. I tend to only trot to a passing pace so as not to upset traffic.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Agree with above, it’s likely just a one off. This happened when I was a child out on a hack, pony tripped over a root or something down onto both knees, was absolutely fine and never happened again. I would be worried if it was a regular thing.

 

[Surbie]

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm totally fine, stayed on so was just shaken.

Yes, he has road nails - we were riding on the common though, on a surfaced bridleway. I never trot him on roads unless I really have to.

On checking again (his hair is incredibly thick! It's hard to get to skin level, but in this case I'm glad that will have helped him) he has 2 very small surface cuts on the right knee, but still no heat etc.

For those recommending boots, his knees are enormous. Any suggestions for brands that cater for really sturdy legs?

 

[Quigleyandme]

My friend trashed my new bicycle slipping over on damp leaves. It was 33 years ago but clearly not forgotten.?