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	Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435 Equine First Aid Kit    Every horse owner should be prepared for any emergency. One of the best ways to be prepared is to have a First Aid Kit. There is no first aid kit that covers all emergencies, but they can mitigate damage or provide enough support until a vet can be reached. There are many commercially prepared Equine First Aid Kits and they are good. If you use one of these you may also want to add items that they may not have or medications you horse uses or your vet recommends. If you would like to put one together here are some items you might want to include in your first aid kit. 1.Vet wrap (several rolls) and an easy boot or two 2. Non stick gauze pads of various sizes (4x4 are used most often) 3. Cotton roll bandaging and scissors for cutting 4. Adhesive tape (the thicker the better, the thin strips don’t hold well) 5. Antibiotic wound ointment 6. Soap and hand sanitizer 7. Saline or bottled water for cleaning and flushing 8. Styptic power or Cayenne pepper to control bleeding 9. Eye wash and ointment 10. Fly spray 11. Wire cutters and pliers and knife to remove objects or to cut away fences or tack 12. Stethoscope and thermometer 13. First Aid book 14. Anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics (these are most often prescription, so you need to talk to your vet) 15. A page with your vet’s and farrier's and Animal poison control phone number (if you are traveling research the numbers of vets in the area) (Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435) 16. Hoof file and hoof nippers 17. Cold pack and heat pack (the kind you do not have to freeze or heat) 18. Cording or string or leather stripes (for tack repair on trail rides) 19. Halter and lead rope 20. Towel (can be used as blind fold)    We have found some other items while we were researching this article that we found interesting that you may want to include in your kit. On one site they suggested sanitary napkins or diapers. These are great if you have a large wound that is bleeding profusely and they are clean. An another item was a 1-2” diameter hose that can be inserted into the horse’s nose should it suffer an allergic reaction. Horses can not breathe through their mouth and a hose can keep their airway clear. Another site suggested duct tape or superglue, which can hold the edges of an injury together. Remember to clean the area thoroughly before using the superglue, as you would be closing in any dirt or debris, which could cause infection. An item that was suggested that some of us have used very effectively is Bach Rescue Remedy. A few drops in the nose or mouth of a panicked horse can calm them enough that you can treat injuries.    A very important item that isn’t on the list, but should be with you at all times, is a cell phone. If you are riding trails it can bring rescue to you or your horse. If you are on the road it can get you help. Another good idea is to have your vet's and farrier's phone numbers programmed into speed dial. A cell phone is necessary, but it is assumed that most of us have ours on us at all times anyway.    Remember that these kits aren’t helpful unless you have them with you. They should be carried with you in your vehicle if you are on the road or in the barn. You can make a smaller kit to carry with you while you are on the trail. First Aid Kits should be with you where you need them. Also, please ensure that you have a kit for yourself (a human one) and for any other animals that you may have. First Aid kits can and do save lives and are very important, so go get yours started today.
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