First-Aid Supplies for Horses

Horses can sometimes be surprisingly delicate and accident-prone. Every horse owner should have a well-stocked first-aid kit for emergencies. In case of illness or injury, quick access to essential supplies can help save your horse's life and bring him faster comfort, and it may save you money from extensive veterinary bills by preventing infection. Keeping practical supplies within reach helps you to be more efficient in emergency situations.

  1. Information

    • According to Erin Malone, DVM, for the University of Minnesota Extension, your first-aid kit should contain important information to help you in emergencies. This includes your veterinarian's phone number, an easy reference guide for common horse ailments like colic, choke and wounds, a reference list of normal vital signs and a local map. Keep a pen and pad of paper in the kit for recording vital signs and directions from the veterinarian.

    Instruments

    • Whether it is a wound or an illness, it is important to have first-aid instruments on hand. According to the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, essential instruments include a stethoscope, thermometer with a string attached, scissors, a flashlight, a needle-less large syringe, disposable razors and clippers. Also include a bucket, sponge, hemostats, pocket knife and small syringes. If your horse wears shoes, keep a shoe puller, nail puller and rasp on hand. You may also want to include a heavy-duty bowl and a water heating element.

    Bandaging Supplies

    • Bandaging supplies should be readily available. Your first-aid kit should contain large and small gauze pads, diapers, tape, nonstick tefla pads and duct tape. Also include latex gloves, vet wrap, a roll of cotton, cotton swabs, super glue and, if possible, splint supplies.

    Medicines

    • Horse ailments and injuries may require many medicines. The main ones to keep available are antiseptics, disinfectants and healing salves. These include surgical scrub, iodine solution, isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Also include saline solution, petroleum jelly, eye ointment, fly spray and fly repellent salve, nitrofurazone spray and salve, and Epsom salts.

    Handling Supplies

    • Keep in mind that when a horse is sick or injured, he may be scared and more resistant to handling. For these situations, include a strong halter and lead rope in the first-aid kit. A twitch and an extra-long cotton rope are also helpful in extreme situations.