Emergency Guide: Tetanus vs. Poisoning in Horses

When a horse suddenly gets sick, it’s very scary. In Ghana (and many other places), people often say “it’s tetanus” no matter what the horse looks like. But sometimes it is not tetanus — it could be poisoning, which looks very different and needs very different treatment.

This guide explains, in simple words, how to notice the difference.

What Tetanus Looks Like

Tetanus comes from a germ that enters through a wound (cut, puncture, castration). It makes the horse’s muscles very stiff.

Signs to look for:

• Horse moves stiff like a robot.

• Tail sticks out stiffly.

• Strange face: ears forward, wide eyes, tight mouth.

• Can’t open mouth well (“lockjaw”).

• A pinkish third eyelid flashes across the eye.

• Comes on slowly over days, not suddenly.

What Poisoning Looks Like

Poisoning happens when the horse eats or drinks something bad (moldy feed, chemicals, medicine overdose, toxic plants).

Signs to look for:

• Horse looks confused or drunk.

• Shaking or trembling all over.

• Wobbling, stumbling, or falling — can’t control the legs.

• May suddenly collapse, roll, or thrash (like a seizure).

• Sometimes sweating, diarrhea, or colic.

• Often comes on very quickly (minutes to hours).

How to Tell the Difference

Tetanus

• Horse becomes stiff, like a robot

• Appears slowly, usually days after a wound

• Can’t open mouth fully (“lockjaw”)

• Tail stiff, face looks strange (ears forward, wide eyes, tight mouth)

• No diarrhea or colic

Poisoning

• Horse looks confused or drunk

• Appears fast, minutes to hours after eating/drinking

• Shaking, trembling, wobbling, or falling

• May collapse or thrash like a seizure

• Often diarrhea, sweating, or colic

The Reality of Having Horses in Accra

When people think of horses, they imagine grassy fields, tidy barns, and well-stocked feed rooms. But in Accra, Ghana, horse care is not a polished Instagram reel — it’s real, raw, and often very hard.

We Cut Grass with a Sickle — Every Day

There’s no hay here. No feed trucks, no bale deliveries. If you want your horses to eat, you pick up a sickle and cut the grass yourself. Every single day.

That means climbing into overgrown lots, dodging rubbish, and navigating places where people dump waste — including open defecation. And even though there’s grass in and around Accra, transporting it from far areas is too expensive, especially if you’re running a small, independent stable.

So we do it ourselves.

Supplements? Good Luck

Try asking a feed store in Accra for biotin or electrolytes. They’ll stare at you blankly. Horse-specific supplements are basically non-existent here.

I’ve been trying to get a simple biotin supplement for one of our horses, Ruffian, for months. It’s one of the most basic equine supplements in the world — but here, it’s almost like asking for gold dust. We rely on donations, travellers, or expensive imports if we can manage them at all.

Minister Nearly Died Last Week

Just last week, our horse Minister fell critically ill.

By the time the vet was on their way, we knew we didn’t have hours to spare. In a move that would probably make most Western vets raise their eyebrows, we gave him a dexamethasone injection ourselves — two hours before the vet arrived. That decision saved his life.

In our context, you often don’t have the privilege of playing by the book. You have to know your animals, trust your gut, and act fast.

We Raised a Foal by Hand

One of our biggest recent challenges? Raising a foal by hand. With no mare to feed him, we substituted with cow’s milk replacer and vitamins. That’s what we had. That’s what we used. And somehow, he made it.

There was no textbook, no guide, no vet who could check in daily. Just trial, error, instinct, and deep love.

Bridging the Gap

This is the real face of horse riding and horse care in Accra. No pretence. No fairytale barns.

That’s why we started our project, Bridging the Gap — to create more visibility, connection, and support for equine projects in West Africa. We’re not asking for handouts. We’re building something solid. But sometimes, even small donations — whether in the form of used gear, supplements, or financial support — can go a long way.

If you’d like to learn more, collaborate, donate, or share this story, please reach out. Because we’re here, doing the work — and it matters.

How Horse Riding Helps Kids Build Confidence

In a world that can feel overwhelming for children, horse riding offers a special kind of magic. At Horse Riding XP Ghana, we’ve seen firsthand how time spent with horses helps kids come out of their shells, discover their inner strength, and grow in confidence—one ride at a time.

1.

They Learn to Lead—Even If They’re Shy

When a child holds the reins for the first time, something shifts. They’re not just riding—they’re leading. Even the shyest children quickly begin to hold themselves differently when they realize they can guide a powerful animal with calmness and clarity.

2.

It Builds Emotional Regulation

Horses respond to our energy. They mirror how we feel. To ride well, children learn to breathe, focus, and stay calm—and in return, their horse moves with them. It’s a beautiful way for kids to learn self-awareness and control.

3.

They Face Challenges and Win

Balancing on a horse, learning new commands, trotting for the first time—all of these push children just outside their comfort zone. And every small success builds belief: I can do hard things.

4.

It’s Real Responsibility

Riding isn’t just about being on the horse. Kids help brush the horse, hold the reins, and sometimes even feed them. These small moments of responsibility help children feel capable and trusted.

5.

No Screens, No Pressure—Just Presence

Our sessions are outdoors, grounded, and fully off-screen. No judgment, no grades, no competition. Just time to breathe, connect, and grow.

6.

A Calm Space to Learn at Their Own Pace

At Horse Riding XP Ghana, we’ve created a peaceful, supportive environment where children can learn without pressure. Our sessions are slow-paced and one-on-one, giving each child the time and attention they need.

This approach is especially helpful for children with ADHD or sensory sensitivities. The rhythmic motion of riding, the presence of the horse, and the focused environment can support emotional regulation and help kids feel grounded.

Want to Give It a Try?

At Horse Riding XP Ghana, we offer:

• Private kids’ riding classes

• Weekend family rides

• Special meet-the-horses days for first-timers

Our beach trail rides start at Next Door Beach (just 5 minutes from Labadi Beach). Sessions are 1 hour long.

This Weekend Only: Promo Offer!

Pay just GHS 200 for a 1-hour ride (usually GHS 300).

Offer valid this Saturday and Sunday only. Limited slots available.

How to Book

Call or WhatsApp: 0269882134

Instagram & TikTok: @horseridingxpghana