Vital Contents of an Equine First Aide Kit
First Aide is the immediate care given to the horse in the event of an accident or sudden illness, horses by nature are somewhat accident prone and suffer frequent injury. For this reason it is important for the horse owner to have certain medical supply items readily available in the event of an emergency. These supplies should be kept together in an appropriate dust-tight container located in convenient locations. All items should be checked periodically to insure that they are in a usable condition.
Most of the recommended first-aide kit items can be obtained through a veterinarian or purchased at a drug store, feed store, or tack supply shop.
Suggestions for First Aid Supplies
1. Restraint Equipment
- Nylon halter and cotton lead rope
- Twitch
- Hobbles
- Cotton Rope(20ft.)
2. Bandaging Supplies
- 1 box 5x9 gauze pads
- 1 box 3x3 gauze pads
- 1 box non stick telfa pads to cover wounds
- 4 rolls-conforming or stretch gauze
- 4 rolls - 4inch wide elastic bandage
- 4 rolls - 4inch wide adhesive bandage
- 4 rolls - 2 inch wide elastic bandage
- 2 rolls - 2 inch wide adhesive bandage
- 1 roll - 1 pound of cotton
- padding: sheet cotton or quilted pads
- 1 roll disposable diapers
- 1 roll duct tape
- 1 roll electrician tape
- cotton swabs
- 4 track bandages
3. Antiseptic / Disinfectents
- Surgical Soap
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Nolvasan
- Betadine (tamed iodine solution)
4. Medicines
- Nitrofurazone Salve
- Nitorfurazone spray or powder
- Furacin (solution or powder)
- Neosporin
- Eyewash
- Antibiotic eye ointment
- Epsom salts
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Saline Solution
- Electrolyte Paste
- Ichthammol
- Phenylbutzone
- Banamine
5. Other Supply Items
- Veterinarian Information
- Fly repellent
- Petrolleum Jelly
- Hand Cream
- Noxema
- Kopertox
- Easy Boot or other hoof boot
6. Instruments and Equipment
- Stethascope
- Thermometer
- Instant Ice Pack
- Pen light
- 10cc, 20cc, 50cc syringes (1each)
- Disposable razor
- Bandage scissors
- Hemostat / Tweezers
- Clippers
- Sponge
- Sharp knife
- Plastic Bucket
- Hoof tools ( knife, nail puller, shoe puller, rasp)
- What to do in an emergency:
- Calm and restrain horse
- Check the entire horse for injury
- Check the vital signs
- Proceed with emergency medical treatment
- Call a veterinarian for conditions other than minor or superficial wounds
* Remember that a frightened or injured horse may forget it’s manners and become potentially dangerous to handle. Handlers should keep their own safety in mind.