We all try to avoid emergencies, but in the event that one arises it is best to be prepared. It is a good idea to have an equine first aid kit on hand at the barn or the trailer. A basic kit should include items such as these, listed below:
- Towels
- Blanket
- Long Cotton Rope
- Rolled Cotton
- Vetwrap
- Brown Gauze
- Bute Paste
- Banamine
- Azium
- Antibacterial Soap
- Digital Thermometer
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment/Antibacterial Ointment
- Knife/Scissors
- Hemostat
- Ophthalmic Eye Ointment
- Latex Gloves
- Flashlight
- 6″ diameter PVC tubing cut in half long-ways (1-1/2 to 2 feet) for splinting
- Adhesive tape
If you have an emergency, call the vet before giving the horse any medications, and remember to STAY CALM!! In the event of a laceration or cut with excessive bleeding, apply a pressure wrap and keep the horse quiet in a stall. If your horse begins to colic, it is important to keep them walking so they do not roll or thrash around and hurt themselves. Also, remove all feed and hay, and do not let them graze.