When a Horse Can’t Get Up: Ginger’s Story and What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know
- Suzanne McKichan
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
There are moments in horse ownership that test everything—your instincts, your preparation, and your ability to act quickly.
For Heather and Chuck Krutulis, that moment came at 3:00 in the morning… on one of the coldest nights of 2026.
Their 21-year-old Belgian mare, Ginger, was missing.
A Night That Changed Everything
Ginger had been last seen around 6:00 PM. By 9:00 PM, she hadn’t come in with the other mares—but she had recently had an abscess drained and was moving slower than usual.
Still, something didn’t sit right.
At 3:00–3:30 AM, Heather woke up and looked outside.
Three horses.
No Ginger.
That quiet decision—to go check—made all the difference.
Found—But in Serious Trouble
Ginger was discovered wedged between a barn support beam, a manger, and the wall.
She had clearly been struggling. In her attempts to free herself, she had already sustained injuries to her head, flank, and side. Exhausted and unable to rise, she was in a life-threatening situation.
Heather stayed with her—holding her head, doing everything she could to keep her from injuring herself further.
Calls were made immediately:
Chuck was up and on his way
Their friend, Eli Borntrager, arrived within minutes
And Dells Equine Veterinary Service was called
Time mattered—and they knew it.
Why a Down Horse Is an Emergency
Horses are not built to remain down for long periods of time.
When a horse becomes “cast” (unable to get up), it can happen for many reasons:
Tight spaces or obstacles
Slipping or poor footing
Injury or illness
Cold stress or exhaustion
But regardless of the cause, the risk is the same. Circulation is compromised. Muscles and nerves begin to fail.
And the larger the horse, the greater the danger. At approximately 2,500 pounds, Ginger was at high risk. Without getting up—either on their own or with assistance—survival becomes unlikely.
A Race Against Time
Dr. Suzanne McKichan and her assistant, Dayna, arrived and immediately went to work alongside Ginger’s owners and Eli.
The first priority: get Ginger out of the position she was trapped in.
Using tow straps and a skid steer, they carefully pulled her away from the wall and into a safer position.
Next, they attempted to help her regain her footing by rolling her from one side to the other—a technique that can sometimes allow a horse to stand.
Medications were administered. Small amounts of water were given for hydration.
But Ginger was exhausted. She showed little strength in her hind legs. More help was needed.
When It Takes a Village
Additional support was called in:
Irongate Equine Clinic — Dr. Howard Ketover
Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Response team
Tom McAfee Well & Pump Service — providing the perfect boom hoist for the job
A network of skilled, willing hands who stepped in without hesitation
With a horse of Ginger’s size, standard equipment simply isn’t enough.
Draft horses present unique challenges. When they struggle or thrash during lifting, the force placed on equipment can exceed their body weight. Safe recovery requires proper equipment, careful coordination, and experienced handling.
Meanwhile:
Ginger was kept warm with blankets
Her head was protected from further injury
A trailer plan was put into place
Professional hauler Ryan Bailey of Coyote Creek Cattle Company was on standby—ready to transport Ginger to UW–Madison if needed. When told only that there was a Belgian who might not be able to get up and may need a ride, he didn’t ask questions. He simply said, “Yes.”
The Outcome
Through coordinated effort, skilled veterinary care, and an incredible show of community support…
Ginger got back up!
A Word from Her Owner
“From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank the entire team and community that showed up…You all saved our horse’s life. We are forever grateful.”
What Horse Owners Can Learn from Ginger’s Story
Emergencies like this are rare—but when they happen, preparation and quick action make all the difference.
1. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, check—no matter the time of day.
2. Time Is Critical
A horse that cannot get up is an emergency. Do not wait to see if they recover on their own.
3. Call for Help Immediately
Early veterinary involvement improves outcomes.
4. Protect and Support While You Wait
Keep the horse warm
Protect the head
Minimize panic and unnecessary movement
5. Have a Plan in Place
Know who to call
Have access to appropriate equipment
Ensure you have a trailer suitable for your horse
6. Understand the Risks for Larger Horses
Draft horses require specialized handling, equipment, and planning in emergency situations.
With Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to Heather and Chuck for allowing us to share Ginger’s story so that others may learn from their experience.
We also extend our sincere thanks to:
Eli Borntrager
Tom McAfee Well & Pump Service
Ryan Bailey of Coyote Creek Cattle Company
Dr. Howard Ketover and the Irongate Equine Clinic team
Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Response
Your willingness to show up—often with little information and no hesitation—made all the difference.
Why This Story Matters
Ginger’s story is not just about one horse.
It’s about:
Acting quickly
Working together
And showing up when it matters most
At Dells Equine Veterinary Service, this is what care looks like.
Commitment. Collaboration. Compassion.
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