Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Teri Rehkopf
Here is a shopping list for horse supplies and a first aid kit. These resources run the gamut from grooming products to nutritional supplements. But there is an essential horse supply that you shouldn’t leave your barn, or your saddlebag without.
A Trauma and First Aid Kit
A trauma and first aid kit might be just the thing that could save your horse’s life. Hollywood often dramatized the situation wherein the rider shoots his horse because it is injured. Probably, he doesn’t have his first aid kit with him.
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Take Care!
You and I know from experience that no matter how thought out or planned an outing might be, there are just some things that just don’t go right. It’s not being paranoid it’s being prepared. Your preparation might help prevent your ride from turning into a Hollywood drama.
Your kit must be stored in a container or bag that can keep moisture and dirt out because these encourage the growth of bacteria. Using contaminated bandages would just aggravate your horse’s infection.
- Insulated Nylon Saddle Pouch
- Includes (2) Pockets
- Attaches w/ Clip Buckles
- Add Your First Aid Items!
- Available Colors: Black, Blue, Purple, Teal, Red, Lime Green, Brown, Orange & Pink
- Measures 8.5" Long, 3.5" Wide & 4.5" Tall
If you make up your own contents, use a saddle bag like this Showman Insulated Nylon Saddle Pouch. It works pretty well and holds a lot of supplies.
First Aid
Aside from keeping your phone, tools, or grooming equipment, these are also good for storing first aid items. Among the things that you should include in your kit, a disinfectant is probably the most handy in most injuries.
Cleansing and Wound Care
Disinfectants are essential cleansers for minor scrapes, abrasions, and wounds. They should be in your horse’s first aid kit. Just follow the manufacturers’ instructions, especially when using industrial grades, as excessive use could dry your horse’s skin.
Start by using a Betadine solution, Povidone, or an Iodine antiseptic wound Microbicide solution to clean and disinfect the injury. Betadine is well known for helping prevent bacterial infections. It’s good for fungus, rain rot, girth itch, scratches, sweet itch, tail rubbing, dry skin, and bug bites.
Antiseptic scrubs and swabs become useful for disinfecting wounds in the absence of water. These are excellent substitutes for disinfectants because they clean wounds with the same efficiency but without the need for water.
Ointments
Ointments or wound powders are also worthy additions to your horse’s first aid kit. They can prevent the entrance of new bacteria inside the wound and speed up the healing process. However, be sure to use ointments, powders, and creams approved by your vet.
I love the Manna Pro Horseman’s Dream Veterinary Cream in the top right image. It brings the hair back in just a few days. It’s not messy or sticky and doesn’t attract dirt like most of the other ointments do. It spreads easily and absorbs quickly into skin. It’s formulated with aloe vera and wheat germ oil to help soothe skin; has antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. It also softens injured skin to help relieve painful or itchy crusting.
The Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Wound Repair Spray Gel heals so quickly. It’s made with natural, medical-grade active ingredients and pH balanced so it Won’t disrupt skin’s natural microbiome. It’s spray on application stays in place and does not sting.
Vet Wrap and Gauze
Your first aid kit should contain a supply of bandages or at least a couple with wide widths. Bandages are good for stabilizing fractures, splints, and pads over bleeding injuries. You should also keep a roll of Vet Wrap Self-Adherent Wrap for Dogs, Cats, and Horses handy.
Regarding bleeding injuries, cotton wool, and gauze are essential for preventing excess bleeding. Wound dressings come in sterile individual packs and they are good for covering wounds and promoting healing. Get Band Aid Brand First Aid Products Tru-Absorb Sterile Gauze Sponges for cleaning and cushioning minor wounds, cuts and burns.
Fly Repellant
A fly repellent applied or sprayed on the wound considerably lowers further infection or contamination risks. Epsom salts from your grocery store or pharmacy are good for soaking diseased hooves and feet.
Farnam Endure Sweat-Resistant Horse Fly Spray is sweat-resistant with multiple active ingredients that stays active in hot, humid conditions for up to 14 days.
Aside from these medications, there are some supplies which you can buy from feed and equine stores and regular drug stores. Petroleum jellies are good for chafing, minor burns, and skin sores.
More Supplies
Glass String Equine Livestock Thermometer is an investment to add to your horse supplies. Expert riders advise to keep your thermometers clipped to the tail of your horse to avoid loss.
Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are tools you shouldn’t forget adding to your first aid kit. See Utopia Care Medical 5.5 Inch Stainless Steel Bandage Scissors
Keep a Hoof Pick Handy
Don’t forget a hoof pick! The Intrepid International Rubber Hoof Pick with Brush is the best all around. Keep it with you in case your horse steps on something and you need a pick. (Amazon says I last purchased this in July 2021, lol.)
Lastly, the horse first aid kit is just for providing your horse help in emergencies before the vet arrives. These are just for preventive measures, meaning they can’t cure your horse. It is still important to call a vet after applying first aid.
