Stable First Aid Kit


What to Keep in Your Stable First Aid Kit

Having an adequately supplied first aid kit is a must for any yard. Not only do horses injure themselves but people dealing with horses are also more prone to cuts and other minor injuries. Having some basic health care accessories available will make the yard safer.

A stable first aid kit does not need to contain a variety of medicine as most conditions are best diagnosed and treated by a vet. Here is a short list of some useful essentials for a first aid kit:

- Antiseptic solution to clean cuts. You should also have some antiseptic cream as this will be applied to a wound before it is wrapped.

- A thermometer for measuring your horse’s temperature. Abnormal temperature is often the clearest indication of an illness.

- A pair of sharp, strong scissors. A pliers-type of design is very useful for getting loose shoes out and cutting through wire fencing if your horse gets stuck.

- Self-adhesive wraps to ensure dressing does not fall off

- Bandages and wraps for humans.

- Epsom salts is extremely effective for preventing infections in wounds.

- Clean cotton wool or other padding. If your horse cuts itself, this padding can be used when applying a dressing.

- Fly repellent. Even if your horse is usually not bothered by flies, wounds are a prime target for flies and midges carrying infections.

Along with these items, larger yards will benefit from some additional items:

- Syringes for administering medicine or wormers and for cleaning wounds in tricky spots.

- Disposable antiseptic wipes.

- A Poultice boot. These dressing boots are extremely handy as they can be washed and reused

- If there is a freezer at the yard, it is a good idea to keep some cooling packs there for swollen limps

All the first aid equipment should be packed in a sturdy box and placed in a visible place. It is a good idea to attach the number of local vet and farrier on the box. It is also a good idea to have a smaller version of this stable first aid box with you when transporting your horse.

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