Things You Need in Your Horse’s First Aid Kit

I find that my horse’s first aid kit, or vet kit, is a dynamic structure – always changing when I toss expired items or when I add more, likely due to a quick trip to the drug store for some needed item. Usually at a late hour.

Jump to videos and shopping

It’s a great idea to rummage through your vet kit a few times a year to check for expired things and maybe things that should be expired. Also, check the temperature ranges of your medications and potions, as extreme cold and heat can render those items useless.

Anything that separates into layers is a good candidate for disposal, even before the expiration date. Some things, like hoof dressings, can be mixed up and used, while others need to be pitched into the trash bin.

I use a toolbox that I found at a home improvement center for my horse’s vet stuff. I store the larger items like buckets, boots, fly masks, in a larger trunk.

Extra supplies for your horse’s first aid kit.

Clippers – some wounds need hair-free areas for medication application. Trimmers and body clippers are great for wounds.

Disposable gloves – it’s always messy.

Shoe pulling equipment/tools – just in case. A quick lesson from your farrier about pulling shoes won’t hurt either.

Diapers (~size 5) – great for wounds, packing hooves. If there is any chance that diaper will get wet, you will have a giant mess on your hands.

Ice pack and heat packs- to reduce swelling. No freezer is complete without ice packs.

horse wearing front ice boots showing the inner layer and the outer layer

Ice boots come in handy for everyday use, too.

Poultice – for hooves and for tendons. There are lots of styles – from Epsom salt to regular clay.

Needles and Syringes (aka “sharps”) – to administer medications.

Cotton balls – for small wound cleaning.

Empty 5L fluid bag or special bag for soaking hooves. Abscesses hit hard and fast, with much pain.

Electrolytes – I like the paste version in a pinch. If your horse needs his food-restricted, you can easily dose without needing something to mix it with.

Twitch – You can make one from baling twine and a double-ended snap. Make a loop of twine at one end of the snap, use that to twist your horse’s nose. Clip the other end to his halter. Twitches have a tiny window of effectiveness – use with caution.

Fly mask – for eye injuries, you want a clean mask to cover the injury. Duct tape can be placed over one eye if UV light needs to be blocked.

Bucket – for mixing wound cleaning solutions, you want a bucket without shampoo residue, horse food bit, and general barn dirt.

Spider bandage – for strangely located wounds.

Spider bandages are great for knees and hocks, this one is coupled with a standing wrap.

Your favorite all-purpose cream or ointment – like a diaper rash cream. A&D ointments are good, they have so many uses at the barn.

Hoof boot – after a sprung shoe or hoof damage, this will protect his hoof and allow for easier movement.

Temporary boots are great to have on hand

Potential Medications to Keep on Hand:

Dipyrone (Metamizole) – anti-spasmodic & mild analgesic.

Banamine (Flunixin Meglamine) – strong analgesic & antipyretic.

Bute (Phenylbutazone) – great anti-inflammatory.

PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN ON THE DOSES FOR YOUR HORSE! And lessons in how to administer them. Most pain meds can be given orally; you may not need a syringe and needles.

Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you. You can also visit my Amazon storefront here: PEG storefront.

Mercury-Free Veterinary Thermometer. Glass with Cord and Tail Clip

$19.69

Things You Need in Your Horse’s First Aid Kit

Recommended Equine First Aid Kit Contents

Essential Items:

Extra supplies for your horse’s first aid kit.

Potential Medications to Keep on Hand:

About The Author

Liv G.