Obama parade horse taken to equine hospital

A parade horse in Washington for Barack Obama's inauguration was taken to an equine hospital after getting a rear leg caught in the front of a large pick-up truck.

It is believed the 10-year-old appaloosa, called Mouse, may have backed into the truck and kicked out, resulting in the leg being trapped.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) had an emergency response team at the inauguration and went to Mouse's aid, together with Lieutenant Colonel John Stott of the US Army Veterinary Services and the Days End Farm Horse Rescue equine ambulance, which was on call with the HSUS.

The HSUS said they found Mouse lying on the ground with his hindquarters suspended in the air and his rear leg caught in the front grille. Dr Stott was able to stabilise the horse before he was loaded on to the ambulance and taken to the Prince George's County Equestrian Centre.

It took staff some time to free Mouse, whose injuries are not considered life-threatening.

An ageing veteran of inaugurations, called Showtime, also required attention.

The palomino appaloosa cross from the Michigan Multi Jurisdictional Drill Team and Color Guard suffered gastric distress but, after receiving treatment, was able to take part in the parade.