First-Aid Kit One of the First Things You Should Pack Before You Ride

Horsey first aid must be one of the first things you think about prior to going anywhere, or even at home for that matter. Horses are large animals, and as such many people think that because of their size they are impervious to injury. Quite the opposite is true—they are delicate creatures. 

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do my horses always get hurt on the weekend or in the evening? That’s when the vet’s office is closed!” 

The answer is simple. It’s because that is when you are with them and they aren’t standing around in the shade doing nothing. It’s not your fault, it is simply that rarely are our horses doing much unless we are with them.

Of course there are those instances that you come home and your horse has cut her face rubbing on the fence or one horse kicked another if they are housed together, but typically we interrupt their serene world. We put them to work or play, we move them around and that’s when they get hurt. 

Having a first-aid kit in your barn, tack room or even in a closet is a must for any horse owner, and a matching set should be in your trailer if you haul out often or far from home. A smaller, basic travel kit needs to be in your truck or trailer anytime you haul your horse away from home. If your horse is in the trailer, a first-aid kit should be as well. 

Items in your first aid kits should contain – to start with:

Vet Wrap, any color you prefer; gauze wrap and pads; at least one roll of cotton batting; tape; betadyne surgical scrub; a clean cloth (or two); a clean sponge; Wonder Dust; a pair of decent scissors; pliers; a hoof knife; bell boots; at least one soaker boot that fits each horse; a thermometer; a stethoscope; wire cutters; antibiotic cream; hypodermic syringe (large and without the needle); banamine and / or bute; gloves, latex or nitrile; phone numbers for your vet and any other emergency contacts you may need; a bucket – this can also be used to keep the first-aid supplies organized and stored in your trailer as well as to use for cleaning or soaking wounds. 

I also have a very basic kit in my saddle bag so when I am out trail riding I am as prepared as I can be for any minor injury that may happen. I bought a prepared kit in a case and added a few things to it such as a hoof pick and pliers.

I’ve had rocks lodge in Cricket’s feet and I’ve had to remove cactus barbs a few times, so I’ve been thankful to have what I need with me for her sake. We never know when our horse may get a cut or scrape and many of us take them away from home quite often, so who knows what could happen out on the trail. 

A close-to-home incident:

Just the other day, a friend and I went for a trail ride and everything was wonderful. The sun was warm, the breeze was cool and the horses were as relaxed as we were. Our two-hour ride was one of the best, like most rides are.

We parted ways to ride to our perspective homes and, low and behold, I get a call from her that as she was riding up the easement, to her very own barn where her horse has lived for quite some time, she told me that her horse spooked and cut both of his front pasterns with his own shoes. She had to spend the next 45 minutes washing, rinsing and bandaging.

While this is an awful thing to happen, she was lucky it happened at home where she had the supplies she needed to take care of his injuries. What if it had happened out on trail, where we were five miles away from home? What if she was riding alone and had no first aid with her? Oh, the “what ifs” in life. 

Whether you are riding in your arena, up the street from your house, or 100 miles away from anywhere, it is best to be prepared and consider the “what ifs” before they happen and you are caught unprepared.

Your horse will appreciate your preparation and you will have much less stress if something does happen and you are ready for it. Even if it’s not your horse, it could be a friend's horse or a total stranger that you can help due to your advance preparation.