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Whether at grass, in the stable or while being ridden, horses seem prone to inadvertent injury. Despite the safest of environments, even the most careful owner can end up having to attend to an equine emergency or administer basic first aid. Everyday cuts and grazes need proper treatment as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse. The horse keeper must, therefore, be well prepared.
All horses should be checked thoroughly for signs of injury as part of the daily care routine, to ensure injuries are identified and professional veterinary care received.
Be prepared
A simple first aid kit, kept in the tack room or stable yard, is a necessity for every horse keeper. A few essential items stored safely in a clean, dry box, can save a lot
of panic if an equine emergency occurs. The box should be labelled clearly and should include contact numbers for your veterinary surgeons. Any used or expired items should be replaced immediately.
An equine first aid kit should also be part of the equipment that is taken to shows or whilst travelling. Carrying a separate human first aid kit is also advantageous
First aid action
The aim of first aid is to take immediate action when an injury is discovered, to prevent the condition getting worse while awaiting veterinary assistance.
Prevent further injury by taking charge of the horse and guiding it to a place of safety.
Briefly assess any injury and be ready
to relay details to the veterinary surgeon
Call the veterinary surgeon and act on the advice received from them
Identify the cause of the injury and take measures to prevent it happening again
If in doubt, always call the vet
A call to the veterinary surgeon might not necessarily result in a visit. Advice given over the telephone can provide reassurance to the keeper and ensure that correct first aid treatment is given. Calling the veterinary surgeon early is essential. It is a false economy to seek professional advice only when symptoms have worsened considerably. It may cause additional suffering to the animal if attempts are made to treat an injury without due consultation, or if the severity of the injury is underestimated.