Basic First Aid for Horses

Just like us humans, horses are sometimes in need of basic first aid. Unlike us however, a horse is a large, stocky animal that is unable to tell you where it hurts. More often than not, you will need to consult a vet about issues your horse may have, which could lead them to visit your stable or simply give advice over the phone.

Either way, it is important to have some basic knowledge of what equipment to have readily available and how to deal with some of the more standard elements of first aid, even if it is in preparation of a vet coming to visit.

What should my horse first aid kit contain?

There are some items that you should always try to keep stocked in your first aid kit. Ensure that you have a kit easily accessible at your stable, in your car if you keep your horse in a field off-site and keep it with you when you travel to events.

• Bandages and padding
• Antiseptic spray or powder
• Cotton wool
• Thermometre
• Hoof pick and hoof knife
• Wire cutters
• Tweezers for splinters
• Scissors
• Latex gloves
• Prescribed medicines
• Torch (in case you are called out during the night)
• Contact numbers for your vet

Click here for a wide range of further essentials that we can provide for your first aid kit.

How to deal with cuts and grazes

The most likely injury that you will need to deal with when it comes to your horse will be simple cuts and scrapes that have occurred through riding or from being overly curious in their paddock or field space. If there appears to be bleeding that will not stop, apply pressure to the wound and contact your vet straight away. This will usually be the case if the wound is more than skin deep and longer than a few centimetres. Also contact your vet if there is an injury around the eyes or joints as these will need to be checked professionally.

If the cut is fairly small and not bleeding too badly, apply pressure until it stops and use swabs to clean the area. Use a bandage from your first aid kit, wrapping it around a wad of padding. Ensure that there are no wrinkles and that it is not too tight. If the area looks like it is swelling, before you cover the area try to introduce a stream of cold water which can help to reduce inflammation.

General health

Even when your horse does not have an injury that needs attending too, it is important to conduct regular health checks to ensure that they are healthy in other ways. 

• Take your horse's pulse by placing 2-3 fingers under the lower jaw and counting the pulse over 15 seconds. Multiply this by 4 for the result. Ideally the pulse should be 30-40 beats per minute.
• Using a rectal thermometer, check that your horse is 37.5-38.5 degrees Celsius.
• If your horse has been sick or injured, make sure that they recover in a stable if possible, with plenty of ventilation, a rug if it is cold, fresh water and tempting food that will help to keep them nourished. Clean hay is also a must.

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/basic-first-aid-horses