Do you know what to do in the event of an equine emergency? Calling your veterinarian should always be your top consideration for major injuries, but depending on the injury/illness, your vet may need you to take measures yourself while waiting for them to arrive (such a pressure wrapping a wound). Not to mention, if you’re well prepared and educated in the basics of first aid, there are many scrapes/cuts ect. you can handle yourself as well. The first step is having all the tools and equipment readily available in the event you must administer treatment for an injury or illness. Secondly, you must be familiar with basic procedures and techniques. Now this doesn’t mean you have to have the expertise of a vet, but it is a good idea for every horse owner to be comfortable with elementary skills such as proper leg wrapping/bandaging, wound cleaning, and especially taking vital signs. Knowing how (and having the tools!) to get your horse’s temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate is super important so you can pass that information on to your vet. If you have to call your vet, your horse’s vital signs play a big part in helping them assess the immediacy of the situation.
In this article, I wanted to share some of the most valuable items to gather together to create your own first aid kit. However, like I said earlier, these items will be useless to you if you don’t know the basics of using them. Your veterinarian is your best source for real-life learning, so if you have a question, ask the next time they’re out for something like Spring/Fall vaccinations. In the meantime, read some articles from reputable sources and ask an educated horse professional/trainer to help expand your knowledge. The Horse.com has many great educational articles on endless horse related topics, but attached below are two brief columns on equine first aid. I’d definitely check them out if you’re interested in learning a bit more about first aid or just want a refresher course!
Part 1: https://thehorse.com/158276/equine-first-aid-basics-part-1/
Part 2: https://thehorse.com/158277/equine-first-aid-basics-part-2/
If you’re educated, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to handle any emergency. Every horse owner should keep a stocked equine first aid kit in their barn and horse trailer. As a note, make sure the container you choose (such as a plastic container or tool box) has a lid that keeps dirt and debris out. Below is a list to get you started:
- Thermometer
- Stethoscope
- Cotton, gauze pads, Tefla™ nonstick pads
- Adhesive/Vet wrap
- Leg wraps/standing wraps
- Diapers (These are strangely universal and super handy in equine first aid!)
- Duct tape
- Betadine
- Alcohol
- Chlorhexidine
- Vetericyn gel/spray
- AluSpray
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Eye saline solution
- Swat
- Banamine & Bute
- Scissors
- Comb (For pulling out cactus spines)
- Sharp Knife
- Hoof pick
- Latex gloves
- Small flashlight with spare batteries
- Tweezers
- Cold pack
In the articles from TheHorse.com linked above, there is also a great first aid list I encourage you to check out. After you’ve completed your first aid kit, you’ll feel comfortable and assured that you’ll be able to take care of your horse. Although we hope that we never *have* to use them, knowing you have all the tools truly gives you peace of mind as a responsible horse owner. Being prepared can save you a lot of heartache and distress and gives your horse the chance to recover to his absolute best!
See you around the barn!
-Rebekah Bukowski