Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Ok - here's something to think about: I know of at least 5 horses that were euthanized after developing colic during a ride in the past two seasons. (there may have been more, but I am personally sure of these 5 - one of them was at my September ride, two were at the Cow Tanks ride last year, and one was at another Idaho ride last year). and I think the PAC fatality also fits into this category .  These horses became colicy during, or after the ride, did not respond to treatment, and were eventually euthanized either at the ride site, or after being transported to a clinic. The horse at my ride was transported to a clinic and was euthanized - it had a twist or impaction (obvious from palpation), the horse at last year's Idaho ride had a gut twist, the Cow Tanks horses were necropsied - twisted gut.

 

Were these horses ridden beyond their capability? Not necessarily. One of them (at my ride) finished the ride meeting all veterinary criteria, and the rider card had A's & B's for all parameters. There was not even a problem with the gut sounds during the ride (more than one vet evaluated the horse during the day).

 

There are very very few horses in AERC rides that actually have metabolic failure resulting in death. i.e. the classic 'ridden to death' - this just doesn't generally happen in this sport any more.

 

Most of the fatalities are euthanizations due to colic (inoperable, or declining surgery) or to freak accidents - broken legs, falling off cliffs, etc.

 

Obviously we can't prevent freak accidents.

 

Can we predict or prevent horses colicing? Do we have any idea why they colic? (impaction? gas? jiggled intestines??) This question has me wondering...

 

Steph