AQHA World Champion Gelding killed - Update on 2nd one seriously hurt= P.2 - Page 2

ChasnCans · 09-18-2009, 10:40 PM

Thats so sad!!! Just horrible. I believe that is like one of my worst nightmare's with hauling..

Just wondering did they have to put the gelding down?

It was said that they got him out, he was the first out of the trailer-then the mare.

So if he wasn't put down how did he die?

rivervu2 · 09-19-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasnCans

Thats so sad!!! Just horrible. I believe that is like one of my worst nightmare's with hauling..

Just wondering did they have to put the gelding down?

It was said that they got him out, he was the first out of the trailer-then the mare.

So if he wasn't put down how did he die?

A friend of mine keeps her horses with Robin Frid, the same trainer who these folks use. Evidently the gelding had colic surgery last year and it's believed that he just didn't have the strength to survive the accident. They were also supposed to have their 4 year old on the trailer as well but left him behind at the last minute. Thank God, or they might have lost another horse. They're devastated.

horselady · 09-19-2009, 06:25 AM

What a tragic accident, As the last sentence in the article says "they will go on, it will not be the same."

Lady_MCSE · 09-19-2009, 07:05 AM

If it was the hitch ball that suddenly just snapped in two, then I don't know necessarily how they could "check" for that ahead of time, unless there were a visible crack ... but certainly chains are a must.

Taking a cue from airplane pilots who have complete "preflight checks," as soon as I bought my first truck and trailer, I created a "preflight check" for myself.

Here's the checklist I use in case you want to borrow from it. I just added a a bullet for "check hitch ball for cracks" and "check wiring harness." Within the past couple of months I went to haul a trailer for a friend about 5 miles. When I got there, I found the electrical harnes had been devastated by squirrels. I hauled it anyway ... it was a small non-horse trailer and just 5 miles, I took the risk of hauling it in daylight with no lights. Shouldn't have but did.

Obviously, a good deal of this checklist is going to be specific to my rig, but feel free to borrow what you'd like out of it.

DAY BEFORE

Print out whatever Maps necessary
Charge Cell Phone
Charge Camera Batteries
Tire Pressure in Truck (check while cold – 30psi front, 32 psi rear)
Pressure in Airbags (should be 5lbs)
Check hitch ball for cracks and electrical wiring harness for soundness.
Wasp Patrol around Trailer
Tire Pressure in Trailer (check while cold)
Hook up the Trailer Battery for charging
Hay into trailer
Tack into the trailer
Tie the stall door
Fill 1-2 buckets of water for travel
Make sure the keys for the trailer will be handy

MORNING OF

Keys for trailer in pocket
Bottles of water in truck for me
Fill up gas
Fill up airbags (35lbs)
Pop the Hitch
Align the truck (leave it running)
Flip switch in cockpit (truck running!)
Hook up Jack connector
Operate jack
Lock Gooseneck Hitch
Hook up chains
Hook up brakes connector
Close Tailgate
Open all windows\vents in trailer (including back windows!)
Bathroom Break??
Wear gloves for loading battle

EVERY HAUL

Overdrive off
Adjust Brake Controller (about 6 loaded or maybe less)
No Air Conditioning
Frequent stops
Bucking Truck? Overdrive should be off!
Check Hot\Cold gauge from time to time

EVERY STOP

Check on Hay
Check on Tires for pressure
Check wheels for excessive heat

POST HAUL

Disconnect chains
Disconnect Jack connection
Disconnect brakes connection
Open Tailgate
Cockpit switch turned off
Clean out Trailer
Close all Windows
Deflate Airbags to 5lbs

qtrhorse1993 · 09-19-2009, 07:09 AM

its a terrible accident, my heart goes out to the family, and i hope their mare recovers quickly.

Mister's Mom · 09-19-2009, 08:02 AM

Lady MCSE - that is a great, comprehensive list, thanks for sharing!

I had to laugh at your last item in morning of - wear gloves for loading battle!

dunamovin · 09-19-2009, 08:43 AM

My hitch is chrome plated. There is no way to see the weld. Unless the chrome cracks I would not know there is a problem. So, it's off to the trailer company for a new NON chrome hitch. Live and learn.

roguemare · 09-19-2009, 02:01 PM

absolutely horrible...my thoughts and prayers go out to the Kents...am going out to hug my 2 now...I just don't know what I would do if something like that happened to us...devastating..

Kingpin · 09-19-2009, 02:10 PM

Everyone you know they thoroughly checked their trailer, chains and whatever. These are very seasoned horse people and if they did not check anything it would only be on accident that any of us could do. THis is a terrible loss and tragedy for them. I am so sorry for them that they had to endure this thing, watching their beloved horse in the last moments. I am so sorry for them. That is all I have to say.

Berry · 09-20-2009, 07:07 AM

Very, very sad. It is just hard to imagine how devastating that would be whether or not the horse is an AQHA Champion.

Lady_MCSE · 09-20-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingpin

Everyone you know they thoroughly checked their trailer, chains and whatever.

I certainly wasn't trying to suggest that they failed to do something. I'm sure they are very seasoned, and I'm sure they did check, and there may not have been any visible indications of upcoming problems whatsoever.

However, no matter how good we are and no matter how many times we may have done the same thing the same way every time, we humans do make mistakes. Have you ever locked your keys in your car? Locked yourself out of your house? Left the garage door up after leaving the house? Forgotten to turn off a light before going to bed?

The more "routine" something gets, the easier it can be to overlook.

This is why airline pilots are required to do preflight checks, physically viewing a list of items to check before heading up into the air.

My heart goes out to the owners in this accident.

Mister's Mom · 09-20-2009, 08:36 AM

Lady MSCE - I thought of a few more things to put on your list:

Day before:
Check fluid levels in hauling vehicle (oil, transmission, coolant, etc)

Morning of:
After connecting wiring, ensure that all trailer lights are working properly (turn signals, brakes, running lights)

every stop:
Offer water

Paminky · 09-22-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingpin

Everyone you know they thoroughly checked their trailer, chains and whatever. These are very seasoned horse people and if they did not check anything it would only be on accident that any of us could do. THis is a terrible loss and tragedy for them. I am so sorry for them that they had to endure this thing, watching their beloved horse in the last moments. I am so sorry for them. That is all I have to say.

I wasn't questioning their methods I just wanted to know why the safety chains didn't work or help or whether or not the trailer had brakes with a breakaway switch. I'm always a nervous wreck when we trailer anywhere but always felt a bit more reassured knowing we had those safety catches in place, now I'm not so sure.

They were going at a slow speed so why didn't the safety measures that are so common help prevent such a horrible accident? I would like to know so I can do whatever I can to prevent this happening to my horses.

BarnBum · 10-17-2009, 02:00 PM

Bebe.....The other horse involved in the accident and was in critical cond. has been euthanized.......Read below ---------

It is with sadness that we report Ill Be RV Radical was euthanized Thursday, 35 days after the trailer accident that also took the life of Vickie and Ronnie Kent’s gelding, Wonit Ona RV Version. “BeBe” survived just over a month but was unable to be saved due to founder of her right hind leg.

The accident occured in September when the horses were en route to a show in California. They had each won AQHA World Championship titles at the Select World in Amarillo, Texas.

“We didn’t have a choice,” stated Vickie Kent on Friday. “She was compensating on her one good leg and it foundered. I would like to thank Dr. Honas and everyone at Texas Equine Hospital. They did everything they could to try to save her but there was nothing they could do.”

Kent added, “We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. Everyone has been so nice. We would particularly like to thank Robin Frid for all of his help and Diane Chilton who went and got BeBe and so kindly buried her on her property. That means a lot to us.”

On a happier note, Texas A&M was able to extract BeBe’s ovaries and harvested 32 eggs that they will fertilize with frozen semen. The process will involve inseminating the eggs and then shipping them to a surrogate mare which is especially challenging during non-traditional breeding months. Vickie Kent claims that the average success rate of 32 eggs may ultimately yield four foals.

“Maybe something good will come out of this after all,” reflected Kent.

http://www.gohorseshow.com/article/C...thanized/25957

rideatennwalker · 10-17-2009, 11:07 PM

OMG I can't believe this story. My Heart really goes out to them. I would love to know more details on what actully broke.

enchanting · 10-18-2009, 10:52 AM

I didn't see this story in September. I can't imagine how they must feel.

We had something similar years ago, although we were very fortunate and we were barely moving at the time our incident occured. We were going to our 4-H show, we had an older motorhome with a bumper pull trailer. When we pulled in and were parking in the grass, the whole bumper fell off the motorhome. Everyone in our trailer was good, they just thought we hit a bump. Chains and everything would have done nothing for our incident, since everything connects to the bumper.

scrapchick · 10-18-2009, 01:37 PM

I am so sorry for their loss, but I cannot read the story, it brings back bad memories.

My best friend was hauling two horses to a team penning. A drunk 17-year old rear ended the trailer so hard that it sheared the ball off the hitch, trailer flipped over and landed doors-down against a rock embankment on the side of the road. Paramedics came and had to use jaws of life and other equipment to cut the top off the trailer. Both of my friends horses were put down due to massive injuries sustained.

What a nightmare. I feel so bad for them.

BarnBum · 10-18-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enchanting

I didn't see this story in September. I can't imagine how they must feel.

We had something similar years ago, although we were very fortunate and we were barely moving at the time our incident occured. We were going to our 4-H show, we had an older motorhome with a bumper pull trailer. When we pulled in and were parking in the grass, the whole bumper fell off the motorhome. Everyone in our trailer was good, they just thought we hit a bump. Chains and everything would have done nothing for our incident, since everything connects to the bumper.

Theirs was a motorhome too.........sounds like a trend. Not good.

I love my FORD TRUCK

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09-18-2009, 10:40 PM
ChasnCans Started Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KS Posts: 2,012	Thats so sad!!! Just horrible. I believe that is like one of my worst nightmare's with hauling.. Just wondering did they have to put the gelding down? It was said that they got him out, he was the first out of the trailer-then the mare. So if he wasn't put down how did he die? __________________ In memory of baby Mayln Marie Loyd. While he may knock over a barrel he will never* break my heart

09-19-2009, 06:25 AM
horselady Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 6,439	What a tragic accident, As the last sentence in the article says "they will go on, it will not be the same." __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

09-19-2009, 07:05 AM
Lady_MCSE Seasoned Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 4,529	If it was the hitch ball that suddenly just snapped in two, then I don't know necessarily how they could "check" for that ahead of time, unless there were a visible crack ... but certainly chains are a must. Taking a cue from airplane pilots who have complete "preflight checks," as soon as I bought my first truck and trailer, I created a "preflight check" for myself. Here's the checklist I use in case you want to borrow from it. I just added a a bullet for "check hitch ball for cracks" and "check wiring harness." Within the past couple of months I went to haul a trailer for a friend about 5 miles. When I got there, I found the electrical harnes had been devastated by squirrels. I hauled it anyway ... it was a small non-horse trailer and just 5 miles, I took the risk of hauling it in daylight with no lights. Shouldn't have but did. Obviously, a good deal of this checklist is going to be specific to my rig, but feel free to borrow what you'd like out of it. DAY BEFORE Print out whatever Maps necessary Charge Cell Phone Charge Camera Batteries Tire Pressure in Truck (check while cold – 30psi front, 32 psi rear) Pressure in Airbags (should be 5lbs) Check hitch ball for cracks and electrical wiring harness for soundness. Wasp Patrol around Trailer Tire Pressure in Trailer (check while cold) Hook up the Trailer Battery for charging Hay into trailer Tack into the trailer Tie the stall door Fill 1-2 buckets of water for travel Make sure the keys for the trailer will be handy MORNING OF Keys for trailer in pocket Bottles of water in truck for me Fill up gas Fill up airbags (35lbs) Pop the Hitch Align the truck (leave it running) Flip switch in cockpit (truck running!) Hook up Jack connector Operate jack Lock Gooseneck Hitch Hook up chains Hook up brakes connector Close Tailgate Open all windows\vents in trailer (including back windows!) Bathroom Break?? Wear gloves for loading battle EVERY HAUL Overdrive off Adjust Brake Controller (about 6 loaded or maybe less) No Air Conditioning Frequent stops Bucking Truck? Overdrive should be off! Check Hot\Cold gauge from time to time EVERY STOP Check on Hay Check on Tires for pressure Check wheels for excessive heat POST HAUL Disconnect chains Disconnect Jack connection Disconnect brakes connection Open Tailgate Cockpit switch turned off Clean out Trailer Close all Windows Deflate Airbags to 5lbs __________________ "A pun is its own reword." — Dance Drier, British comedian

09-19-2009, 07:09 AM
qtrhorse1993 Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Johnstown, New York Posts: 707	its a terrible accident, my heart goes out to the family, and i hope their mare recovers quickly. __________________ The world meets no one half way, but your horse will meet you all the way.

09-19-2009, 08:02 AM
Mister's Mom Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 627	Lady MCSE - that is a great, comprehensive list, thanks for sharing! I had to laugh at your last item in morning of - wear gloves for loading battle!

09-19-2009, 08:43 AM
dunamovin Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: where the blacktop ends Posts: 194	Buying a new hitch My hitch is chrome plated. There is no way to see the weld. Unless the chrome cracks I would not know there is a problem. So, it's off to the trailer company for a new NON chrome hitch. Live and learn.

09-19-2009, 02:01 PM
roguemare Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Dakota Posts: 634	absolutely horrible...my thoughts and prayers go out to the Kents...am going out to hug my 2 now...I just don't know what I would do if something like that happened to us...devastating.. __________________ "Saving a horse may not change the world, but it will change the world for one horse." Melanie Bowles, founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary

09-19-2009, 02:10 PM
Kingpin Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lancaster, Ky Posts: 733	Everyone you know they thoroughly checked their trailer, chains and whatever. These are very seasoned horse people and if they did not check anything it would only be on accident that any of us could do. THis is a terrible loss and tragedy for them. I am so sorry for them that they had to endure this thing, watching their beloved horse in the last moments. I am so sorry for them. That is all I have to say. __________________ Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's the result of something...hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication. Roger Staubach

09-20-2009, 07:07 AM
Berry Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Elora, Ontario Posts: 648	Very, very sad. It is just hard to imagine how devastating that would be whether or not the horse is an AQHA Champion. __________________ Show me your horse and I will tell you who you are. Old English Saying. www.muttnwood.com

09-20-2009, 08:36 AM
Mister's Mom Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 627	Lady MSCE - I thought of a few more things to put on your list: Day before: Check fluid levels in hauling vehicle (oil, transmission, coolant, etc) Morning of: After connecting wiring, ensure that all trailer lights are working properly (turn signals, brakes, running lights) every stop: Offer water

10-17-2009, 02:00 PM
BarnBum Kid Safe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 5,862	Bebe.....The other horse involved in the accident and was in critical cond. has been euthanized.......Read below --------- It is with sadness that we report Ill Be RV Radical was euthanized Thursday, 35 days after the trailer accident that also took the life of Vickie and Ronnie Kent’s gelding, Wonit Ona RV Version. “BeBe” survived just over a month but was unable to be saved due to founder of her right hind leg. The accident occured in September when the horses were en route to a show in California. They had each won AQHA World Championship titles at the Select World in Amarillo, Texas. “We didn’t have a choice,” stated Vickie Kent on Friday. “She was compensating on her one good leg and it foundered. I would like to thank Dr. Honas and everyone at Texas Equine Hospital. They did everything they could to try to save her but there was nothing they could do.” Kent added, “We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. Everyone has been so nice. We would particularly like to thank Robin Frid for all of his help and Diane Chilton who went and got BeBe and so kindly buried her on her property. That means a lot to us.” On a happier note, Texas A&M was able to extract BeBe’s ovaries and harvested 32 eggs that they will fertilize with frozen semen. The process will involve inseminating the eggs and then shipping them to a surrogate mare which is especially challenging during non-traditional breeding months. Vickie Kent claims that the average success rate of 32 eggs may ultimately yield four foals. “Maybe something good will come out of this after all,” reflected Kent. http://www.gohorseshow.com/article/C...thanized/25957 __________________ *Life is a coin, you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.* Last edited by BarnBum : 10-17-2009 at 02:04 PM.

10-17-2009, 11:07 PM
rideatennwalker Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 340	OMG I can't believe this story. My Heart really goes out to them. I would love to know more details on what actully broke. __________________ A True Horsewoman Does Not Look At A Horse With Her Eyes, But With Her Heart !!!!!!

10-18-2009, 10:52 AM
enchanting Weanling Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 202	I didn't see this story in September. I can't imagine how they must feel. We had something similar years ago, although we were very fortunate and we were barely moving at the time our incident occured. We were going to our 4-H show, we had an older motorhome with a bumper pull trailer. When we pulled in and were parking in the grass, the whole bumper fell off the motorhome. Everyone in our trailer was good, they just thought we hit a bump. Chains and everything would have done nothing for our incident, since everything connects to the bumper. __________________ Enchanting Acres Appaloosas www.enchantingacres.com

10-18-2009, 01:37 PM
scrapchick Kid Safe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 7,027	I am so sorry for their loss, but I cannot read the story, it brings back bad memories. My best friend was hauling two horses to a team penning. A drunk 17-year old rear ended the trailer so hard that it sheared the ball off the hitch, trailer flipped over and landed doors-down against a rock embankment on the side of the road. Paramedics came and had to use jaws of life and other equipment to cut the top off the trailer. Both of my friends horses were put down due to massive injuries sustained. What a nightmare. I feel so bad for them. __________________ ....And I will sail my vessel, 'til the river runs dry, like a bird upon the wind , these waters are my sky - I'll never reach my destination if I never try ...So I will sail my vessel ,'til the river runs dry ...