Trail First Aid Kit
Hunter Ortis, DVM
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As we head out on the trail it is important to be prepared for what emergencies that may arise. Having a basic equine first aid kit can get us through most emergencies we may face. The following is a list of recommended items to carry along.
- Clean bandage material including quilted padding and vet wrap can be used to bandage a laceration on or a swollen limb. It is important when applying a bandage to a limb to use padding to prevent tendon or soft tissue damage.
- A sharp blade or scissors is useful in cutting bandage material and can be used for other emergencies.
- A hoof knife is useful when trimming a flap of hoof wall that may have been pulled up.
- Pliers with a cutting edge can be used in a pinch to cut cinches and remove nails if a shoe needs to be removed.
- Duct tape is a vital tool to any equine first aid kit as it can be used to bandage a foot and also a part of an outer layer a padded leg bandage.
- Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Phenylbutazone and Banamine are useful but should be administered under the instruction of your veterinarian.
This list of first aid materials can be used to temporarily manage most on trail emergencies until veterinary assistance is available.