A first-aid kit for horses

A veterinarian can take a long time to arrive at your stables, especially after hours and on weekends. Basic first aid treatment is crucial while you wait, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.

- Cheryl McCrindle

Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, veterinarians have generally become more willing to assist horse owners in assembling a first-aid kit for emergency use at home or during horse shows.

The kit has three components. The first comprises medications that need to be refrigerated. Keep these together in a plastic container, and transport them to shows in a cooler bag with plastic ice blocks.

The second component is made up of wound dressings, bandages, sprays and ointments. You can also include a number of homeopathic remedies, which only need to be kept cool, not refrigerated.

Finally, you will need a selection of syringes and needles, as well as plastic gloves, which should easily fit into a small toolbox. A twitch and a set of basic farrier tools may also come in handy.

REFRIGERATED MEDICATIONS