Discussion

In the authors experience the majority of horses that fall during competition recover spontaneously. Similarly, horses which become entrapped, albeit briefly, manage to extricate themselves before the arrival on the scene of any assistance. Furthermore, alterations in the design of fences at events and racecourses over the years is such that the incidence of horses becoming entrapped is extremely low compared to the number of fallers, which occurs, i.e. 1/950 jumping efforts at BE and FEI competitions (Clissold
2012); 1/447 jumping efforts for hurdlers and 1/254 jumping efforts for steeplechasers (Pinchbeck et al. 2002). Occasionally loose horses which have unseated the jockey will fall or become entrapped at noncompetition obstacles or ditches in the surrounding area.

However, in the event of prolonged recumbency after a fall or an entrapment the scene can very rapidly become mobbed by officials, including fence attendants and other ground staff, connections including owners and relatives and various other by-standers in the vicinity offering their assistance. As the designated veterinary surgeon in attendance at the competition, you have responsibility for the welfare of all competing horses. In addition, you have a certain responsibility for the health and safety of all personnel at the rescue scene. As such you need to gain prompt and decisive control of the rescue scene. Being the apparent leader of this team, under the intense spotlight of the competition environment, can be extremely stressful. Proper preparation and planning is key to a successful rescue.