First Aid Kit - equine essentials

If there’s a way to hurt itself the horse will find it. In fact, even if there’s not a way to hurt itself, it seems the horse often will! Being prepared with well stocked first aid kits in your tack room and your float will help you to assist the horse as best you can until the vet arrives.

The basics for your first aid kit could include:

• clearly marked waterproof container with a list of emergency contacts taped inside the lid
• thermometer
• selection of bandages, vetwrap, elastoplast and polo bandages
• big roll of cotton wool
• fybagee/doona pads
• sterile gauze
• poultices
• iodine or other antiseptic solution
• blunt tipped scissors
• surgical tape
• surgical gloves
• large syringes for flushing wounds
• instant cold packs
• stethoscope
• nappies/sanitary pads for severe bleeding

Extra items you might think of adding could include:

• bute (always check with your vet before administering)
• poultice boot
• thrush remedy such as hydrogen peroxide
• eye ointment
• linaments, sprays, powders
• heat pack
• sponges
• razor for shaving hair around a wound
• antibiotics or other painkillers as prescribed by your vet
• smaller syringes and needles to administer any drugs
• suncream for pink noses
• Height/weight tape
• book on horse first aid