Observe without intervening

Don’t do any massage.

Manipulation of the horse’s muscles will be painful and may make the situation worse. The cramping will eventually dissipate, but the process cannot be sped up. Treatment can only contain the damage done by the event.

Do not give any injections.

Given the horse’s discomfort, it may be tempting to administer an injection of Banamine or other pain reliever, but this is not advisable. It would be very difficult to inject anything into a horse’s cramped hindquarter muscles, and even if you managed to do so it would intensify the spasms.

Note the color of the horse’s urine.

Muscle cramping causes cells to die, and the resulting debris is excreted in urine, tinting it reddish to a dark-coffee color. The color of urine is an indication not only of the extent of muscle damage but also of how hard the horse’s kidneys are working. If your horse urinates while you are waiting, note the color of what he produces or, better yet, catch some in a container to give to your veterinarian.

Be on the lookout for “thumps.”

Technically known as “synchronous diaphragmatic flutter,” thumps is the spasmodic contraction of the horse’s diaphragm in time to his heartbeat. Outwardly, it appears as if the horse has hiccups. Seen in stressed, tired horses, thumps is the result of a severe electrolyte imbalance, a state also closely associated with tying up. Although this condition in itself is not harmful, it’s an important indication of your horse’s metabolic state, so you’ll want to inform your veterinarian if your horse develops it.