A "Cast" Horse

If you've been around horse people a lot, but have not been around horses extensively, you've probably heard of  when a horse gets "cast". If you are similar to me, you'll ask what it means multiple occasionthroughout time, but won't quite understand how it happens and why it is so dangerous. If you are even more like me, you may even Google the term, searching for pictures. And, similar to me again, you'll be unsuccessful.

A cast horse is a horse that has its hind legs stuck up against something, ergo not being able roll into a position to stand up. This gets dangerous after the horse has been cast for awhile, for the digestion system doesn't work very well will not in its normal orientation.

Thankfully, I have two pictures to share with you. These may be the only online pictures (for now) of a cast horse ever in history. Unfortunately they're both nasty quality, blurry, and perhaps even slightly warped as I took them with a cell phone camera. Either way, I'll show you them so you can understand the concept of a cast horse.

As you can see, the hind hooves are stuck against the fence. Most often though, a horse
gets cast against a stall, and it isn't so easy to handle as it was for this mare.

Sorry for the lame view, but here you can see it a bit better. You'll also see that there (thankfully)
is room for the hind legs to maneuver around, unlike many cast situations.

Besides colic (when the horse's digestion system isn't working right), there's also danger in getting the horse un-cast. Use whatever safe means you can, but be wary of the horse's hooves as they flail about.

After the horse is un-cast, watch him for awhile. If the horse is eating and acting normal, that's good. If the horse acts like he has a tummy-ache, call your vet. Colic is nothing to shrug off.