Why are Broken Legs so Dangerous for Horses?
Viewers of the 2006 Preakness horse race received a very disturbing reminder of the dangers of a broken leg for horses. A heavily-favored horse named Barbaro took a misstep shortly after leaving the starting gate, causing his jockey to pull him out of the race immediately. Television cameras caught the dramatic events as they unfolded, from the emergency treatment on the track to the loading of Barbaro onto a specialized ambulance for horses. All initial signs pointed to a broken leg, which is usually considered a fatal complication in horses.
