The prime concern when catching a loose horse or horses must be one of safety. Any outside gates should be fastened immediately to try and contain the horse in as small a space as possible. Assistance should be sought wherever possible and any obvious mobile hazards, such as a wheelbarrow parked in the open, removed because an excited horse will invariably run into it. At least one headcollar should be available together with a bucket containing some feed. Approach the horse slowly and quietly whilst offering him the feed. Do not hurry in any way and be sure that any loose dogs or children are out of the way. A galloping horse can very quickly do a lot of damage and even the quietest of temperaments can become excited. Aim to confine the animal in a corner, preferably with one person either side, each with a headcollar. Never try to herd him or hurry him because he will invariably go faster and a loose horse will often behave wildly with no respect for fixtures and fittings. If possible, have someone bring out another, sensible horse (wearing a bridle or headcollar and lunge line in case he too becomes excited) because often a loose horse will follow another of his kind back to the stables. Once the horse is willing to be caught be sure to restrain him firstly by putting a rope around his neck before fitting the headcollar because he will have enjoyed his moments of freedom and may take it into his head to try and get loose again if he thinks he may have a chance.

If the loose horse is tacked up and you are out riding, do not be tempted to chase after him because invariably he will go faster. Wait until he stops and it is safe for you to ride up alongside and get hold of the reins and take them over his head. It may be that the horse you are riding will not be willing for you to lead the other horse, so you may have to dismount and lead them both. If the runaway has lost his bridle use the thong of your hunting whip (or even your neck tie) around the top of his neck to restrain him until a headcollar or bridle becomes available.

Cast Horse

A cast horse is one which, having lain down and tried to roll over, has become stuck on his back and cannot right himself. He may have rolled and become cast due to an attack of colic, in which case the vet should be summoned immediately if the animal is struggling and in pain. Colic can result in a twisted gut, which is usually fatal.

If he becomes wedged against a manger or a door it is often more difficult to free him, but in any event a procedure must be adopted in the interests of safety. When a cast horse is first discovered help should be summoned immediately. Never try to get a horse up again on your own because cast horses often flail their legs about in an attempt to regain their balance, which is dangerous for anyone nearby. Once help is found someone should approach the horse and sit on its head, using all his weight to restrain the horse. Thick ropes, such as plough lines or lunge lines, should be attached to the hind and fore legs which are underneath and the horse pulled towards the middle of the box. Righting a cast horse is a potentially hazardous event particularly if the animal panics. It is therefore essential that the utmost caution is taken and that helpers are aware of the danger.

One of the precautions against a horse getting cast is to fit an anti-cast roller, although it must be said that if a horse does manage to get cast whilst wearing one it is virtually impossible to pull him back without first cutting the roller to remove it. This is extremely difficult to do when the weight of the animal is against it. Once the horse is on his feet again examine him thoroughly for any injuries or wounds, such as grazing of the joints, particularly the hocks and knees. There is a danger of a back injury, which should be recognized and if necessary professional advice sought. If the horse rolls whilst you are with him and appears to be getting cast you may be able to get him to his feet again by startling him, perhaps by clapping your hands or banging a bucket.