Horse knocked me out

[sherbet]

Whilst in my lesson today On the last canter my horse spoked threw his head up and knocked me out . I was out of it by the time I hit the floor. Instructor waited for me to come round and got me to my car and called ambulance etc . I dont remember the spook or getting to my car. Been to hospital and all ok but I need to get on at some point!! If he gets un settled his head is the first thing to go and he throws it up Advice required please do you think I should put a martingale on

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Your horse? Definitely a martingale, yes! You’re lucky you didn’t lose any teeth. Hope you’re feeling ok and there’s someone with you in case you get dizzy.

 

[cobgoblin]

Second that. ^^^^

 

[twiggy2]

Another who hopes your not alone, I would put a correctly fitted standing martingale on a horse that did that

 

[splashgirl45]

yes but a standing martingale would be best. hope you are ok

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Mmmmm. Is this something your horse does a lot? i.e. chucking head around.

Because..... it just might indicate that there is a pain issue somewhere. After you've got yourself over this, I would be inclined to do a thorough check, as you need to know if there IS anything causing the behaviour.

I would be getting your vet or equine dental specialist (suitably qualified and insured!) in to have a look in his mouth; also get a physio check for back/neck etc; and saddle check, as horse will have changed shape now Spring is here.

Then think about what bit is actually in his mouth; there is someone called "The Bit Fit Lady" (I think that's what she's called), who goes nationwide, and has very good reports - she would be a good person to ask in to have a look as she has a stock of bits which you could try, perhaps what you've got in his mouth is causing pain and/or discomfort.

I would be inclined to presume that this may be a pain-related issue first and foremost, and THEN, if necessary (and if you feel you need that reassurance) then by all means think about a martingale.

For now, I'd be inclined to go back to doing a bit of groundwork with this horse before you try riding him again; you will be a bit shaky anyway, and it might be wise just to go back a few steps and do some stuff on the ground.

Ohhh, and (edited). Pleeese don't forget to get yourself a new riding hat as you've had a nasty fall in the old one........

Hoping you are OK. Tek care.

 

[oldie48]

yes to standing martingale and yes to making sure the horse isn't in pain somewhere. My old horse would do this on a hack once we were on the way home and it was just horrible. It wasn't pain related it was just rude behaviour that I was letting him get away with because I didn't know how to stop it. I spent a lot of time in lessons getting him properly on the bit and being able to put his neck where I wanted it, not where he was happy to put it. I can only speak from my own experience but it revolutionised our relationship and put me in control. I don't know if this is happening with your horse, but worth considering. I hope you feel better and don't have too much of a headache. Good luck in finding a solution.

 

[AmyMay]

Seconded and thirded a standing martingale and a vet check.

Glad you’re ok xx

 

[Mule]

Definitely a martingale. I'm glad you're ok. Mine sometimes headshakes because of allergies, he's nearly got me in the face a couple of times.

 

[BOWS28]

A horse i was schooling used to do this alot. The owner 'apparently' had all the checks done.... One day he did it and put my front teeth through my lip. Stitches for me and i insisted a vet, dentist and physio to come out and see him before i got back on. Dentist came first and it turns out the poor sod had a tooth growing diagonally into the roof of his mouth and it was causing such bad ulcers he was in so much pain. Poor baby had it sorted and we are entered in our first BE80 this season Please get the necessary checks done by recommended professionals and if nothing is discovered, i'd resort to a correctly fitted standing martingale.

 

[Otherwise]

I wouldn't immediately jump to must need a vet check unless he chucks his head around at other times, it's not that unusual for a horse to spook and throw it's head up, just unfortunate he caught you this time. Definitely get a standing martingale, I prefer an elastic one so it isn't as big a shock when they hit the end of it.