how can I help her? I feel so guilty!?

I hate people like that. I know there are people out there who have lots of horses and really couldn't care less about them. It sounds like they don't want to bother with having a vet look at Jess, and you are right that you cannot call a vet yourself without the owner's consent.

Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do. It is likely that she already had an underlying physical problem that made her trip, so it may not be your fault at all. But definately stop riding her. It sounds like the real damage was done the week after she fell, when you tried to canter her again and it made her really lame. If it's been 7 weeks and she's still lame, without a vet looking at her nothing you can do will help. You can go groom her and give her some attention, but don't ride her. Maybe with a lot of time off, whatever she injured will heal on it's own. That's the best you can hope for.

Well I had the same kind of problem as you a few years ago, but it was with Gabbie's back. I was looking after her when her owner was away, and she tripped in the field and hurt her back so bad she would go mad if you tried to touch it. And her owner being an idiot was like "she will be fine. Don't call the vet." So I couldn't go against her wishes and blah blah..

Yeah well I walked Gabbie in hand every day, stretching her legs before we went out, and at the end. She hurt real bad to begin with, but loosened off after a couple of go's. I turned her out in a small field everyday with her elderly companion, so no racing about was done, but she could stretch everything eating grass.

But her problem didn't go away. It hurt and hurt. So I phoned the vet. And that is what I am going to say is the best thing you could do for Jess. The vet came and gave me peace of mind if anything, and he just sent the bill to her owner. (Which she was pretty mad about, but that doesn't matter) Now Gabbie is 10, leads a healthy life as a low level event horse, all be it with physio every so often to keep her back sound.

I hope Jess gets better soon, ♥

The owner of Jess has more money than Horse-sense. You are the wise one here & this is what I would do if I was in your place. ' Call the Vet. have him to write out a full report of what all is wrong & relieve some pain at least until that no-think gets back. then have a good council. already have the humane-ph.# ready so when council goes wrong just let her know that you will turn her in. speak that this was a pure accident & you are so sorry about this. you would love to have this pony rather than see it put-down. if she agrees to that speaking with conditions you pay the vet-bill, then I would grab the pony & work part time in his office until I had it paid in full. you are the good one here with a big heart. and you will always come out the winner. thanks for posting this. I'm on your side!

I know you are frustrated, but the truth is, she is not your horse. Point blank.

You can't treat the horse without their consent.

I am a bit confused though, do the owners know their horse is lame? You say they won't let you call, but do they understand what happened?

For now, I'd say absolutely no more riding. Walk her on lead if you can. Other than that, there is nothing you can do. I know it is frustrating and I understand where you are coming from. But that's just how things are. She's not your horse, so there is really not a whole lot you can do.

Hmm...

This story sounds strange to me. Either way, if it wasn't your fault, then the only thing you can do is wash your hands of the entire thing. You can't exercise a horse out of being lame.

If the girl is this rich, why wouldn't the parents have the vet out? Doesn't make any sense.

EDIT: Oh, I'm sorry... do you have a degree in veterinary science? Because if not, there is no way you can help this horse. You gave her stall rest. She did not improve. She is obviously lame and has heat and swelling that is not going away. Once again, putting her into work will NOT solve the problem. Creams will not solve the problem. Getting a vet WILL solve the problem. You're concerned that the parents will sue you if you try to get help for the horse, but not afraid that they will be angry you are the reason the horse is lame in the first place? Come on.

Ok. Well firstly - it's not your fault AT ALL! You couldn't have done anything, it would have happened no matter who was riding her.

Go to your local takc shop and look for some Rapigel - it's meant to be really good for sore muscles, although being that it's been 3 weeks I'm not sure that it's a muscle. Legally, you are able to call the vets as owners have a legal responsibilty to provide medical assistance and care to their animals - if they do not it's breaking a law.

Call the vet anyways. If these people will not call the vet, they do not deserve to own a horse. If you think that she really needs the vet, you need to call them. Even if you have to pay the vet yourself.

Call the vet before the girl comes back and then when the girl comes back tell her whatever the vet said.

I'd try some ice wraps on her knees and also see if you can get hold of some bute to minimize the swelling. If it's a big stable complex you are at, someone will have it.

Tell the BO. Call animal rescues.