Equine First Aid Kit

Anyone who owns a horse should own a well-stocked First Aid Kit. Start by buying a plastic bucket that has a lid and place all of the first aid supplies in the tightly sealed container. The following are first-aid supplies that are essential to a well-stocked First Aid Kit. These supplies should be kept in all First Aid Kits...

Stethoscope
You should check and measure heart rate and gut sound when horse is well to make a comparison when the horse is ill. Normal rate for adult horse is around 30 to 40 beats a minute and significantly higher for a nursing Mare and a Foal is around 60 to 80 beats a minute.

Iodine Solution Diluted
An Iodine Solution that is properly diluted is Betadine. Any fresh wounds should be flushed out with this solution.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Only use Hydrogen Peroxide to flush deep wounds or punctures.

Neosporin and Nolvasan
These are topical antiseptic ointments that fight bacteria and promote healing. These should be used twice daily after a veterinarian has seen the wound.

Saline
Use to flush wounds after using anti bacterial washes and before wrapping.

Sterile Gauze Sponges
Use these when cleaning the wounded area with a Diluted Iodine Solution.

Sterile Gauze Roll and Self-Adhesive Tape
The Self-Adhesive Tape holds the Gauze to the wound. The tape is easily applied and removed. A few good brands are: Kling, Elastikon, Flexus and Vet-Rap.

Blunt-tipped Bandage Scissors
These come in handy for removing bandages.

Topical Eye Ointment
Non-steroidal Eye Ointment comes in handy when a horse injures his eye, and a veterinarian is not immediately available.

Rectal Thermometer
Use with a string attached to prevent loss into the rectum or dropping and breaking it.An adult horse's normal temperature is between 99.0 and 101 degrees F. A foal is usually between 100 and 102. You should have some alcohol in your first aid kit to disinfect the Thermometer.

Injectable Sedative and Pain Killer
Keep a small dose of each available. They come in handy in situations such as colic or for horses that are unwilling.

Electrolytes
For use if dehydration is suspected.

Other Supplies That Should be Included:

Cold packs instant type for first aid
Disposable diapers (2 or more for bleeding)
Knife is useful for many things including cutting rope and bandages etc.
Latex gloves
Lubricant like KY jelly to aid thermometer insertion
Scissors
Tweezers
Twitch for distraction if necessary
Digital thermometer
Duct tape Use on hoof
Easy-Boot Use on hoof
Stethoscope
Twitch
Hoof Pick
Fly Lotion
Wire cutters
Flashlight

We recommend a smaller kit be part of your tack if you go on a trail ride. Consider a cell phone.

Be prepared with your Veterinarians emergency number at the barn and a back up Vet to call if your Veterinarian isn't reachable for any reason. If you travel remember to have a first aid kit with you.

Happy Horse Tack ...for all your equestrian needs.

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