First Aid Kit

A first aid kit for your horse is essential at any yard or stable in case of accident or injury. It is important for anyone who is going to be keeping or handling a horse to have some basic knowledge of first aid horse principles. You need to have a basic first aid kit close at hand, you should have a kit in the stables and you should take one with you when travelling. Pack the kit in a moisture proof box, below is a list of things that are recommended to have in a first aid kit for your horse.

A first aid kit for horses should be made up of items that will assist with minor injuries.

First Aid Kit Contents:

• Thermometer
• Antiseptic in spray or ointment form
• Saline solution
• Padding wrap and gauze squares
• Bandages
• Eyewash
• Scissors
• Clean towels
• Disposable latex gloves
• 1 small pack of salt 
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes to use on yourself before touching a horse wound or horse eye
• It is also a good idea to keep frozen cooling packs in a freezer on or near the yard

First Aid Kit Tips

Once you have filled your kit make a list of all the contents and stick in inside the box, this way you will know what you are missing. It is possible to buy commercially made kits, however it can sometimes be better to put your own one together so that it is individually tailored to your specific horse and environment. Remember to keep track of the expiry dates on certain items of your first aid kit. The last thing you want is for an emergency situation to arise and you do not have anything to help.

Remember to try and not panic and stay calm. Once you have the situation under control you can then call in the vet when necessary, and check that your horse insurance documents are accessible in case you should need to make a claim.