foals struck by lightning

[Derby2004]

Hi, if a foal is struck by lightning as a weanling, what are the chances of it never racing? What affects can it cause being struck?

[DreamersPrincess]

I'm assuming the foal survived (otherwise pretty good that it will never race)

The optimist would think that one would have some sort of extra luck factor going for it... the pesimist, well...

[Derby2004]

it did survive. the people that have him state that he runs in the field all day long. but they also state something about the joints.

[DreamersPrincess]

just being hit by household current, I have excess energy and am jittery for for almost a full day (unfortunately I've done this)...

If he was in pasture when he was hit, I could imagine he might be a bit worried that it could happen again, so maybe stressing/running because of that?

His joints might be because of the extra running and he's stressing them a bit too much for his age. Don't know how old he is.

Kami

[Jessi P]

Is this perhaps related to the foal in the "name the horse" contest on TVG? And what did his name end up being? JOLT or JOLTED? Anyone know if he has run yet? Did he just turn 2 or just turn 3.... boy some days my memory REALLY sucks.

[Derby2004]

he is by exchgange rate. He will be 1 this spring. so can he race i guess is the big question?

[LSB]

I had a friend whose horse was struck by lightning. The effect on him was similar to what it would have been like if he'd had a stroke--a definite weakness on one side that persisted for the rest of his life. Maybe physical therapy could have made a difference, but it wasn't tried. He was also a full-grown horse when it happened, probably six or seven at the time.

I can't imagine that a foal struck by lightning wouldn't have some lingering effects though I would guess they might vary from case to case. If I was looking to purchase a foal for racing, I'd probably pass that one by. If I already owned him, I imagine I'd start him in training and see how he progressed.

[louis finochio]

When I was in the Army in Germany, I just finished my duty of KP and I was going back to my barracks when a bolt of lightning hit 2 feet in front of me, it was a purple color and made a cracking sound. I ran back to my barracks as fast as I could for saftey. When this experience happens to a TB, I can see why they carry that memory for their lifetime.

[Derby2004]

the only thing physically is that his right hear kind of hangs. that does suggest nerve damage, but the extent is questionable.

[yukidragon]

lightning,well my uncle was stuck an went on to play in the PGA.

I have a Maple tree in front yard that was stuck in the middle of the trunk cooked it dry,but its still living years later.

lightning has alot of heat in it. about all I know.

[chicago78]

there's absolutely no reason not to at least break him this fall and see if he stands training, and if he's okay, then go ahead.

[Nancy T]

I think that a consultation with a veterinarian would be a good place to start. Sounds like he may have nerve damage.

[Derby2004]

I was also thinking nerve damage. But she said he runs his butt off in the field. A vet would be the best way to go. Thanks

[Sunday Silence]

I beleive that when humans, at least, get struck and survive they can develope problems down the road. Intestional problems, nerve damage and hearing loss are some of them. So perhaps the same could happen to a foal.

http://www.harkphoto.com/light.html

[Derby2004]

Thanks Sunday, that was very useful. I guess the only way to find out is to get him in training and see what happens.