The Green Horseman

,

Are You Prepared? Preparing Your Horse’s First Aid Kit

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, so I’d like to begin this month by covering what I like to have available in my tack box or as part of my horse’s First Aid Kit. Last year I touched on preparation for June’s Pet Preparedness Month but we never dug into the first aid.…

sscribner07
2–3 minutes
, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, so I’d like to begin this month by covering what I like to have available in my tack box or as part of my horse’s First Aid Kit.

Last year I touched on preparation for June’s Pet Preparedness Month but we never dug into the first aid.

Before I begin I should also mention the phones.

We are notorious for being HOOKED to our phones. The barn we often try to break that bad habit. Put down the phone and stay present in the moment. I was once very adamant about no phones. I still occasionally leave my phone behind when I’m at the barn but usually, I’m with someone who has theirs.

After my horse broke his leg in the field and I didn’t have a phone on my person I will never approach my phone the same way again. Instead of staying by his side I had to run to find my phone in order to call for help. It was a horrible feeling running away from him when he was looking to me for help, yes, it haunts me. Phones CAN and ARE incredibly important to have but need to be used appropriately. Keep them put away until you need it, don’t waste your barn time on the phone but DO have it for emergencies. My example was for my horse, but it could also be you or a friend who needs immediate medical help.

So What Do I Have In My First Aid Kit?

Medications:

Most vets are wonderful about writing out a script for these medications.

**I must add that I NEVER administer these medications unless I’ve first spoken to my vet but this is helpful when time is of the essence, especially if the vet is unable to come right away. **

***Also noting I don’t actually keep ALL of these but they are common ones that are useful to have.

  • Banamine
  • Phenylbutazone
  • Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (SMZs)
  • Equiox
  • Omeprazole
  • Acepromazine
  • Xylazine
  • Methocarbamol

Over the Counter Medications/Supplements:

  • Equi-Spaz
    • Gas Colic
  • SynChill
    • Calming
  • UlcerGard
    • Ulcer/Digestive
  • Electrolytes
    • Paste Tube for Emergencies
    • Powder for hot/cold weather and/or travel

Supplies

  • Syringes
    • Multiple Sizes. I prefer:
      • Larger Sizes usually for delivering oral meds
        • 100cc
        • 60cc
      • With needles for the smaller sizes. If not to inject the horse than to pull medication from a vial.
        • 20CC
        • 5CC
  • Thermometer
  • Scissors
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Wire Cutters
  • Tweezers
  • Flashlight
  • Towels/Clean Rags
  • Knife
  • Bucket
  • Alcohol Wipes

Wound Care

  • Iodine
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Saline
  • Silver Honey
  • Nonstick Gauze Pads
  • Vet Wrap
  • No Bow Bandages
  • Standing Wraps

Hoofcare

  • Magic Cushion
  • Baby Diapers
  • Duct Tape
  • Epsom Salt
  • Hoof Boot
  • Rasp
  • Nail Pullers
  • Hoofpick
  • Wire Brush
An Equine boot or slipper can work well when protecting the hoof out on turnout during a treatment.

Other Items

  • Sheath Cleaner
  • Poultice
  • Liniment
  • FlySpray
    • When trying to get a horse to stand still for the vet, farrier, or for bandaging fly spray is a must.

The exact items and procedures will certainly vary based on your location, your horse, and your situation. In general, this is a great starting point to consider.

What did I miss?

Leave a comment

Trending