I’m sure we all have a number of items on this list. Just like I am sure that we have all been caught in a hairy situation and wished our first aid kit had a few more necessities that we just never got around to refilling or stocking up on. If you have any items to add please feel free to comment and share the knowledge!

Important Tools

• Rectal Thermometer
• Stethoscope
• Hoof Pick
• Stop Watch or other time keeping device
• Safety Scissors
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Tweezers

Medications-Oral & Topical

• Electrolyte Paste
• Bute
• Banamine
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment or Furacin Ointment

Bandaging Materials

• Vet Wrap
• Elastikon
• Gauze Squares
• Rolled Cotton
• Baby Diapers
• Standing Wraps and Quilts
• Duct Tape
• Electrical Tape
• Telfa Pads

Antiseptics

• Saline
• Sterile Eye Wash
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Rubbing Alcohol Pads
• Betadine or Chlorhexidine Scrub

Topicals

• Swat
• Vaseline
• Poultice
• Diaper Rash Cream
• Wonder Dust
• Liniment
• DMSO

Miscellaneous

• Veterinarians Number
• Twitch
• Clean Buckets
• Hoof Nippers and Rasp
• Snake Bite Kit
• Epsom Salts

For reference, I keep a laminated card with normal ranges for equine vitals hanging in the barn.

Temperature 99-101.5 °
Resting Heart Rate 24-48 Beats Per Minute
Respiration Rate 10-20 Breaths Per Minute

Hopefully we never need to use everything on this list, but it is never a dull life when you have horses in it.

Happy Holidays!

-Emily Bomgardner