First Aid Kits for Horses

This post was written by hookeste on January 29, 2010
Posted Under: Horses

Horse equipment runs the full gamut from grooming equipment to food supplements.

However there is an essential piece of equipment that you shouldn’t leave your barn, or your bag without.

Horse first aid pack may just be just the one factor that could rescue your horse’s life. You should know from experience that it doesn’t matter how well planned an expedition may be, there are just some things that go awry. It’s not just paranoia, it is being prepared. Prior preparation may well help avoid your ride from turning into into a serious situation.

The horse first aid pack must be placed in a container or bag that can prevent moisture and muck out as these promote the progression of bacteria. You would just exaggerating your horse’s infection if you used contaminated dressings. Shops that sell horse goods store things such as a plastic sealable bag. Aside from keeping tools, or grooming tools, they are also excellent for protecting first aid equipment. Grocery stores sell tupperware food containers in varying sizes. Aside from keeping potential contaminants out, you could also pick out one that could fit in your saddlebag.

Among the items that you should include in your kit, a sanitizer most likely is the most handy in most injuries. From minor grazes and abrasions to wounds, disinfectants are vital cleansers. Just keep to the manufacturers’ instructions in particular when using industrialized grades as excessive use could dry out your horse’s skin. Sterile scrubs and wipes become useful for disinfecting injuries in the nonexistence of water. These are outstanding substitutes for disinfectants as they clean wounds with similar efficiency, but minus the need for water.

Creams or wound powders are also valuable additions to your equipment. They can stop the entrance of fresh bacteria inside the injury and hurry up the healing procedure. But, make sure to apply ointments, powders, and creams that have been agreed by your equine vet.

A fly repellent applied or sprayed on the wound reduces the chance of further infection or infection risks noticeably. Wound coverings come in sterile single packs and they are useful for covering wounds and furthering healing. There should be a supply of bandages in your gear, or at the very least two with a broad span. They are reliable for stabilizing fractures, splints, and securing pads over bleedings. Talking of bleeding, cotton wool and gauze are crucial for slowing excess bleeding. Salts are good for soaking diseased hooves and legs.

Aside from these medications, there are some provisions which you can obtain from equine stores and common pharmacies. Petroleum jellies are useful for abrasion, minor burns, and skin sores.

A thermometer is an investment to add to your horse first aid kit. Expert riders advise to hold your thermometers clipped to the tail of your horse to prevent loss. Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are all items you shouldn’t disregard in your horse first aid pack. Apart from cutting bandages, they are also useful for the removal of splinters and stones caught in horses’ hooves.

Finally, take into account these first aid packs are just for providing your horse initial assistance in emergencies whilst waiting for the vet. These are purely preventative measures, it is still essential to call out a vet after applying first aid.

For more horse information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory

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