Equine First Aid

By Vet Bethan Harper


Most horse owners can probably recall at least one instance of having to call a vet out for an emergency. But do you know how to manage these common scenarios while you wait? 

Firstly, it is important to be familiar with what is normal for your horse, including their normal respiratory rate (8 - 12 bpm) and temperature (typically 37.5℃ - 38.5℃) so you can quickly spot abnormal signs. 

You should also have a first aid kit on site with basic bandaging supplies, sterile dressings, a thermometer, and salt to make a saline solution.

When do you need to call a vet? If your horse has a wound with excessive bleeding, or a wound over important structures such as the face, joints, or chest, then you should call your vet immediately. Additionally, if your horse is very distressed, very lame, has a penetrating injury, or has been kicked then you will require veterinary assistance.

Medical emergencies such as difficulty foaling and colic will always require a vet. Minor scrapes and bruises, low grade lameness, and mild cases of choke can sometimes be managed at home, but in any case, it is always best to call your vet for advice if you are unsure. 

If you have found your horse or pony injured or unwell in the field, it is advisable to bring them into a dry, well-lit stable or yard if it is possible and safe to do so. This will allow you and/or your vet to better assess the situation and reduce further risk of contaminating any wounds. 

If your horse needs urgent veterinary attention, call the vet as soon as possible. Consider the safety of yourself and other people on the yard as a first priority. Horses can be unpredictable, particularly when they are in pain, so don’t try to do too much if it puts you at risk. 

If your horse is having an episode of colic or choke, where possible you should remove all sources of food, including grass and hay. If it is safe to do so, walking your horse can help to keep them calm and, in some colic cases, relieve the symptoms. Depending on the type and severity of colic, some horses may require inpatient treatment or even referral to a hospital. It may be helpful to start thinking about whether that is an option you would consider, and what your options for transport are if you don’t have your own. 

If your horse has a minor wound that is not bleeding excessively, you should start by gently bathing the area with a warm saline solution (boiled then cooled water with 1 tsp of salt per 500ml). You can then assess if you think a vet is needed; always call for a vet in the situations listed above, or if you are at all concerned about the injury. If you are confident to do so, you may place a sterile dressing over the wound and bandage it to keep it clean, but make sure the area is dry first. Never apply a bandage if you don’t know how, as this can cause further damage if applied too tightly or without sufficient padding. 

If you are faced with a wound that is bleeding heavily - don’t panic! Horses are large animals with a large blood volume and oftentimes what appears as a catastrophic bleed is much less serious. That being said, any cut that is bleeding heavily should be seen by a vet to ensure that it is managed appropriately. While waiting for the vet, keep your horse as still as possible to avoid aggravating the bleed, and apply pressure using something absorbent such as a clean towel or some gamgee.