16 Must Have Items In Your Horses First Aid Kit

#1 The most essential item: Emergency Contacts List

You don’t want to forget to add a card with your horse’s emergency contacts. This is for yourself and anyone who might be caring for your horse when you are not around. The list should include:

• Your primary vet and backup vet numbers.
• Your number.
• Anyone else you deem suitable.

#2 Your Horse Vital Signs Record

• When setting up your horse’s first aid kit, include a record of their normal vital signs. This includes: 
• their temperature, 
• heart rate, 
• and respiration. 

Do these simple tests a few times to establish what is normal for the individual horse.

This will allow you to have a reference point if your horse seems off. Changes in vital signs can indicate that something is wrong and needs attention.

#3 Digital Thermometer

You can use a human digital thermometer, and it is more accurate and safe than the old-style glass ones. Ensure to attach a string to the end to prevent it from slipping too far inside the rectum. The average temperature for a horse is 99 to 101 Fahrenheit. Luckily, most horses are pretty good about having their temperature taken.

#4 Horse Bandages

A horse first aid kit needs to include several types of bandages. One of the handiest types of bandages to have is vetwrap or another brand of self-adhesive wrap. In fact, stick a couple of these in your kit.

Also, include at least one stable bandage, sometimes called pillow wraps. These are the thick padded types. The best kind to have is the traditional cotton leg wraps, as they are usually the thickest. For this, you will also need the outer part; a standing wrap.

#5 Antiseptics

If you have a wound, you will need to clean it before it is dressed. For this, you will need an antiseptic. There are different types, and it is a good idea to have a choice, as your vet might advise you to use a particular one.

The two you should have are:

• A chlorhexidine based one such as Nolvasan 
• Apovidone iodine-based one, such as Betadine. 

It is also good to include hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic cream or spray. Finally, don’t forget rubbing alcohol which will help you sterilize any items you use.

#6 Scissors

Include at least one type of scissors. Those with rounded ends are the safest for cutting off bandages. Regular scissors will come in helpful for cutting tape and bandages as you apply them.

#7 Pocket Knife

You can be surprised by how vital it is to have quick access to a pocket knife. In an emergency, you can use this to release a horse from a haynet or panicking horse on the cross ties.

#8 Flashlight

Ensure you put in a flashlight and keep an eye on the batteries, so they are fresh. A headlamp might be an even better idea, so your hands remain free. This is essential if you need to tend to a horse in the dark.

#9 Wire Cutters

If you have wire fencing, you need a way to release a horse that gets stuck quickly. It is essential to act fast as the wire can cause severe damage to the horse.

#10 Cold Pack

Stick in a cold pack so you have a quick way to apply cold temperature to an injury. It is more accessible than ice and will help you in applying cold treatment as soon as possible.

#11 Clean Towel

Keep a clean towel in your equine first aid kit. This can help you put pressure on a wound or act as a place to put your other items so they stay clean.

#12 Duct Tape

Duct tape is fantastic for multiple uses. Among other things, you can use it to help secure bandages, especially those that go on the hoof. 

#13 Dressings

You will need various dressings in your horse first aid kit to suit different types of injuries. Make sure you include a box of 4-inch gauze squares, ensuring they are non-stick and stay sterile.

Also include diapers and sanitary towels. These are great for larger wounds, provide padding, and absorb fluids from the wound.

In addition to the above, include 4-inch wide gauze rolls that you can wrap over the base dressing. It is another way to add protection to the wound. Another essential is a roll of sheet cotton to place over the pads that sit next to the injury.

#14 Medication

Every horse first aid kit needs some basic medications. This includes: 

• Bute, or something similar if your horse can’t have bute. 
•  Banamine, which is often used for colic pain. 

Before administering either of these, it is good to phone your vet for advice on the dose, which will vary according to your situation.

• Dormosedan is a type of mild sedative that comes in gel form and is given to the horse orally. This can help you if you need to treat an injury that is upsetting the horse. Always use gloves when giving this to your horse.

#15 Surgical Gloves

Surgical gloves allow you to apply creams and clean wounds without causing contamination. They also mean you can administer medications safely, as some should not come into contact with your skin.

#16 Syringes

Your kit should have a couple of different types of syringes, including the appropriate needles. Even if you cannot give an injection yourself, you might have someone to help that can, and unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary.

Large 60 cc syringes are a good way to give your horse an oral medication, such as antibiotics. 

For injections, you will need 10 and 20 cc syringes.

Conclusion

Once you have your equine first aid kit set up, don’t forget about it. Always restock what you use and check for expiry dates. If something goes out of date, then remove and replace it.

Don’t be afraid to practice bandaging your horse, so you know how to do it when an actual situation arises 

Make sure your kit is in a well-sealed container so that that content stays clean and dry. Ensure you Place it in an easily accessible area for easy access. 

Having a good first aid kit for your horse will mean that you can apply prompt treatment, potentially reducing damage or even saving a life. 

Remember, horses have a great knack at getting themselves into trouble, even at the most unexpected times. Staying calm and having quick access to the necessary items will give you the best chance of a positive outcome.