Dealing with a Stray Horse

What should you do if you come across a stray horse? The answer depends somewhat on the circumstances: where the horse is, whether it is in danger of being injured or causing a traffic accident, and how close it is to a place where it can be safely confined. These general guidelines usually apply:

• A loose horse constitutes a problem. The first goal is to keep the problem from getting worse. Don’t chase the horse, but if it’s headed toward a road or another dangerous place, make an attempt to herd it in a safer direction.
• Call 911 at the earliest opportunity. Emergency assistance will be required to redirect traffic, get the horse out of a hazardous situation (caught in a fence, trapped in water, near traffic, or other). Indicate whether the horse appears to be injured so authorities can contact a veterinarian.
• Be extremely cautious if you need to approach the horse. At the best of times, even a familiar horse is strong, quick, and capable of spooking. A horse that’s loose is probably a frightened horse, meaning that its behavior is much more unpredictable.
• If possible, lead or herd the horse to a safe place where it can be confined. Once it is out of immediate danger, provide water and then don’t interact with it. Don’t feed or groom it or try to treat minor injuries.
• Let police or other authorities know the circumstances of where and when you found the horse and what your actions were. If the horse has been reported as stolen and is found on your property, you want to establish a timeline for the events that have occurred.
• If you have had any contact with the horse, wash your hands and change your clothes before contacting your own or other horses. If the horse is confined on your property, keep other horses away from the unknown horse.