Horse Care For Beginners

Easy Horse Care:  Part 7

Plan your horse first aid kit now!

While horse supplies run the gamut from grooming products to nutritional supplements there is an essential horse supply item that you shouldn’t be without while either exercising or riding your horse. You’ve probably guessed ~it’s  a horse first aid kit. Horse first aid kits are essential for all horse owners as they may be just the thing that could save a horse’s life.

Hollywood has often dramatised the situation where the rider shoots his horse because it is injured. Probably he hasn’t even thought about horse first aid kits and doesn’t have one with him. It’s pointless putting a horse down over a minor injury if it could be put out of its agony without pulling the trigger. And you’ll know from experience that no matter how well thought out or planned your riding outing might be, there are just some things that will simply go wrong. Accidents will happen! Always carrying horse first aid kits just makes sense, it’s not being paranoid, it is being prepared. Your preparation might help prevent your ride from turning into a Hollywood drama!

Ensure adequate storage for your horse first aid kit.

Your horse first aid kit should be stored in a container or bag that protects the kit from moisture and dirt as these will encourage the growth of bacteria. You’d just aggravate your horse’s infection if you used, for example, contaminated bandages. You’ll find that stores selling horse supplies will carry items such as a plastic zipper bag which would be a suitable container. Aside from carrying such items as tools, or grooming equipment, these are also good for storing and carrying your first aid items. Aside from keeping possible contaminants out, you could also choose a container that may well fit in your saddlebag.

Among the items that you should include in your horse first aid kit is a disinfectant as this is probably the most handy for most injuries to your horse. From minor scrapes and abrasions to wounds, disinfectants are essential cleansers. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions especially when using industrial grades as excessive use could dry your horse’s skin.

Prevention from bacteria.

Antiseptic scrubs and swabs become useful for disinfecting wounds in the absence of water. These are excellent substitutes for disinfectants as they clean wounds with the same efficiency, but without the need for water. Ointments or wound powders are also worthy additions to your horse first aid kit. These can prevent the entrance of new bacteria into the wound and speed up the healing process. However, be sure to use ointments, powders, and creams that have been approved by your vet.

A fly repellent applied or sprayed on the wound considerably lowers further infection or contamination risks. Wound dressings which come in sterile individual packs are good for covering wounds and promoting healing. Importantly, you should have a supply of bandages in your horse first aid kit, or at least two with a wide breadth. They are good for stabilising fractures, splints, and for securing pads over bleeding wounds. Speaking of bleeding, cotton wool and gauze are essential for preventing excess bleeding. And salts are good for soaking diseased hooves and feet

Further important items for your horse first aid kit.

Aside from these medications, there are some supplies which you can buy from equine stores and regular drug stores. Petroleum jellies are good for chafing, minor burns, and skin sores. A thermometer is a wise investment and should be added to your horse first aid kit.

Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are tools you shouldn’t forget adding to your horse first aid kit. Aside from being useful for cutting bandages, they are also perfect for removing splinters and stones that may be stuck in your horse’s hooves.

Lastly,  please remember that horse first aid kits are just for providing a horse help in emergencies before a vet arrives. These are just for preventive measures, meaning they can’t cure your horse. It is still important to always call a vet for assistance and treatment after applying any first aid.

Related posts:

1. Grooming Tips For Horses ~ A Major Part of Easy Horse Care.
2. Safe Riding: Tips On Keeping You And Your Horse Safe
3. So, You Want To Buy Your First Horse ~ What You Need To Know
4. Selecting the Right Horse Riding Saddle is Vital: Tips on Selection and Fitting.
5. Equestrian Wear – Tips On The Use Of Horse Rugs, Boots, and Bandages.

Tags: Cleanliness, easy horse care, Equestrian, equine, First aid kit, grooming, Horse, horse care, horse care for beginners, Horse grooming, Horse tack, riding, riding safe, sacking out, Saddle, safe riding, Sport, Trail riding

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