PULLMAN, Wash. — Laddy, a 5-year-old Belgian gelding and the Washington
State University College of Veterinary Medicine mascot, bolted with his wagon
and three students aboard today.
The runaway and accident occurred at the corner of Ellis Way and Wilson Rd.
just north of the Lewis Alumni Centre at about 3 p.m. The three veterinary
students were all injured slightly when the wagon went over an embankment.
Laddy was also injured in the accident and was walked back to the WSU
Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
One student was thrown from the wagon and suffered injuries requiring
transport to Pullman Memorial Hospital by ambulance. At 5 p.m. she was being
x-rayed to rule out a fractured arm.
The other students suffered only minor cuts and bruises. All students received
prophylactic tetanus boosters for their injuries.
Laddy, weighing 1,650 pounds, suffered an 8-10 inch laceration over his right
tibia that went to the bone. Dr. Marina “Coby” Richter, a WSU equine surgery
resident, said the wound would be cleaned and evaluated tonight for a primary
closure.
The WSU Draft Horse Club purchased the animal from the Mader family in
Redmond, Ore., in 1999 where he was formerly used in farming organic
produce. The 7-year-old wagon was built by Bill Twigg of Moscow, Idaho.
There has not been an incident of this type with a horse and wagon at WSU in
recent history.
WSU’s veterinary college has provided horse and wagon rides during WSU
football games, parades, and also by special appointment for personal tours of
Pullman or WSU.
WSU veterinary students, with faculty oversight, are responsible for the health
and well-being of the draft horse.
All are expected to recover.
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