10 Items To Have In Your Equine First Aid Kit

When you own a horse, you can be almost certain that at some point, your horse will injure himself. This will usually occur at a time when local stores are closed or when you don’t have time to get to a store to buy supplies. Having a well-stocked equine first aid kit can be your saving grace in these instances. Here are 10 items that you should have in your equine first aid kit.

1. Gauze Pads

When your horse cuts himself, gauze pads provide a way to keep the wound protected and cleaned. They’re particularly valuable for protecting leg wounds. Stock up on a few different sizes of non-stick gauze pads.

2. Antiseptic Ointment

Antiseptic ointment is a must. You will need it to put on any cuts or wounds, and best of all, it’s cheap.

3. Vetrap

Vetrap makes bandaging wounds so much easier. This material sticks to itself, creating an instant cover for gauze pads and other bandaging material. Always keep a few roles on hand.

4. Thermometer

A thermometer is a valuable tool in assessing the severity of your horse’s illness. Being able to tell whether your horse is running a temperature can tell you if he is fighting an infection. If your horse has a temperature, then it’s time to call the vet.

5. Pillow Wraps

Pillow wraps are necessary if you need to support your horse’s leg with standing wraps. Pillow wraps provide cushion to your horse’s leg, helping to prevent bandage sores.

6. Standing Wraps

Always keep a set of four standing wraps on hand. You may need to use them if your horse has strained or torn a tendon or ligament.

7. Surgical Scrub

It’s important to be able to clean and disinfect deep or dirty wounds. Keeping a bottle of surgical scrub in your kit means that you can thoroughly clean out wounds.

8. Saline

Saline can be useful when flushing out wounds or eyes. If your horse has an eye injury, call your vet first, but they may instruct you to flush the eye with saline until they are able to treat your horse.

9. Disposable Rubber Gloves

Treating injuries in your horse is a dirty job, and you want to protect yourself any time that you’re handling blood. Stock your first aid kit with a box of disposable rubber gloves to keep your hands clean.

10. Equine Medications

Some of the most common equine medications that you will want to have on hand are Bute and Banamine. It’s a good idea to ask your vet to leave you a supply of these medications before you actually need them.