Horse panics: motorway closure and total damage to the trailer

Created: 05/14/2022, 03:00 p.m

By: Lara-Sabrina Kiehl

A horse panics so much in the middle of the freeway that the trailer threatens to tip over.

The police rushed to help and blocked part of the route on both sides.

Würzburg (Bavaria) - Normally, numerous vehicles with several horsepower drive on the Autobahn 7. In the district of Würzburg, however, traffic is temporarily stopped on part of the route.

Engine and tire noises fall silent and hoofbeats can be heard – a horse is being led across the motorway.

But what is “one horsepower” doing in the middle of the road, what happened?

Horse panics: motorway closure and total damage to the trailer

After a Friesian mare recently broke through the roof of an overturned horse trailer on the A7 with her front legs, the next incident involving a horse happened on the Autobahn.

But this time, instead of the fire brigade, the police have to move out.

When her horse panics and the trailer threatens to tip over, a horse owner doesn't know what else to do and dials 110.

During the ride, the owner fears that her horse has health problems.

To check on the horse, she stops the team at the hard shoulder and opens the tailgate of the trailer.

However, this causes the animal to panic so much that it almost jumps out of the trailer.

It is only with difficulty that she manages to close the tailgate and prevent her four-legged friend from getting onto the road, reports "inFranken.de".

It almost ended like the horse Huston, who galloped in panic on the freeway and caused traffic chaos.

Thanks to the police, the horse owner was able to safely get her animal out of the trailer.

© Facebook (Lower Franconia Police)

Horse panics: trailer threatens to tip over on the road

After the tailgate has been opened, however, the horse cannot calm down at all.

On the contrary, the situation escalates and the horse panics even more.

So much so that the trailer threatens to tip over onto the road.

The moment when the horse owner dials 110 has come.

The Würzburg-Biebelried traffic police move out and "short-term block the autobahn in both directions to let the animal out of the trailer safely," according to the Lower Franconia police on Facebook.

After the horse could be released from the trailer, the owner leads it on the disused freeway to the next freeway maintenance depot.

There the four-legged friend is cared for by a veterinarian.

Luckily the vet couldn't find anything apart from minor injuries on the hind legs.

However, the trailer is a total loss.

Horse panics: Tips on how to reduce stress when riding a trailer

Since a trailer ride is often associated with stress for the horse: Here are a few tips on how to make the tour as pleasant as possible, what to consider in the event of heavy rumbling and unrest and what you should do in an emergency situation.

• A roadworthy and safe horse trailer according to road traffic regulations, as well as the same towing vehicle, is a must.

  In addition, the trailer should be as light as possible (white), high (at least 2.30 meters) and padded.

• In order for the floor to be non-slip, it should be covered with litter such as shavings.

  At the same time, the soft mat also cushions the movements while driving and thus ensures more comfort. 

• The way you drive is also important: drive calmly and with foresight.

  Corners should be taken slowly, avoiding sudden braking and acceleration.

• A well-fitting equipment should not be missing.

  Leg armor should fully cover the cannon bones and extend past the coronet to the floor to protect the entire lower area from injury.

  A stable, well-fitting headcollar and a long rope for loading and unloading are also essential.

  A blanket can optionally be taken to protect against drafts, among other things.

• Practice rides can minimize stress.

  Especially if the goal is comfortable for the horse.

  Such as a meadow or a nice riding area.

  The same applies to loading: practicing in peace helps to reduce stress.

• Modern technology such as a camera in the trailer can help to keep an eye on your four-legged friend without having to stop.

  Horses often only become restless when the team is stationary.

• A hay net should be taken with you on longer journeys.

  Because eating calms and distracts.

  However, the net should hang in such a way that the horse cannot become entangled in it.

• Essential oils can also provide stress relief.

  A study by the University of Texas has shown that horses with lavender are more relaxed in the trailer.

  Aromatherapy in horses is considered a gentle helper in many ways.

• In the case of particularly nervous horses, supplementary feeds are also suitable in some cases to calm them down.

• If problems arise during transport or if the horse is very restless beforehand, you should leave the motorway immediately or avoid it from the outset.

  Never open the ramp on the freeway or hard shoulder.

  In an emergency, dial 911.