Equine First Aid Kit

Every horse owner needs a horse first aid kit. Actually you probably need two or three. One for the barn, one for the truck and maybe even a mini kit for trail rides.

If you are looking for the easy option with a ready made kit then these Vet Pro ones come in handy carry bags.
Equine First Aid Kit: https://amssaddlery.co.nz/products/vpequinefa?_pos=1&_sid=e3a214f86&_ss=r
Riding out Kit: https://amssaddlery.co.nz/products/ride-outminaturefirstaidkit?_pos=2&_sid=d5c07c63b&_ss=r

I chose to make my own kit, with a lot of the items included in the above first aid kits and a few extras I have found useful over the years.

• Poultice (Animalintex or Resvet Wound Poultice)
• Hoof Poultice (Animalintex hoof 3 pack or Resvet Hoof Poultice)
• Sterile Scrubs (EZ scrub with Chlorhexidine)
• Steripad non adhesive pads
• Wound Cream/Honey
• Parrafin Dressing
• Orthoban soft padded Rolls (either size Orthopaedic padding bandage you find easiest)
• Cohesive bandage (Vetwrap/maxowrap, I try keep 6-12 on hand)
• Sticky Bandage (Elastotape, again either size that you find easier)
• Saline Wash
• Scissors
• Thermometer
• Vet Pro B Boost or Pro Dosa Boost
• Gloves (from supermarket – to protect you from infection and safer wound handling)
  
  You can find these items here
  
  Here's a few other essentials to add to your item or have handy:

• Hoof pick: To remove debris and stones that might cause lameness or infection.
• Spare Halter and Lead: You might need one in a hurry or your one breaks in accident.
• Twitch: An invaluable tool for keeping a horse still during minor procedures.
• Flashlight: Because emergencies don't always happen in the light of day.
• Ice Boots: I keep ice boots in the truck or the barn for post jumping/hard work and ready for the unexpected.
• Duct Tape: to help strengthen under hoof poultice, plus many other uses.
• Hoof Puller & Spreader: If your horses are shod to get a sprung or caught horse shoe off in a hurry.
• Wire Cutters: To cut wire fence if necessary. 

Veterinary wrap and gauze pads are the cornerstones of my kit. These essentials can be used for a multitude of injuries, from wrapping a sprained ankle to covering a wound.

Antiseptic solution and antibiotic ointment are must-haves for cleaning and protecting any cuts or scrapes your horse might get. Honey is very popular for wound healing at the moment with vets and I have had good results.

I have the Boost paste in my first aid kit to replace their essential nutrients if they are run down. I have used these after mild colic (after vet treatment) and when they are just feeling flat, after a big trip or a few days of competition.

Having a list of emergency phone numbers is something I've found invaluable. It's always good to have your local vets number AND after hours number saved in your phone for quick access in emergencies and often competitions will have their treating vet or on call vet contact on their show information.

Remember to replenish the kit when you use it – ready for the next time you or a friend need it.