By Merel Slabbinck DVM and Yanice Pauwels DVM
Photography: Courtesy Equitom
Horses are incredibly strong animals, yet they are also prey animals with a highly developed flight instinct. When startled or frightened, they can panic—often resulting in injury.Accidents can occur anytime and anywhere: while riding, out in the field, or even in the stable. Despite their power, horses are surprisingly fragile.
As horse owners, we must be mindful of this vulnerability and prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s a wound, colic, lameness, or a fracture, these situations often arise when least expected. Knowing how to respond in those first critical moments can make all the difference.
It’s essential to understand what can be handled at home and what requires immediate veterinary care. First aid is never a substitute for professional treatment, but it plays a vital role in supporting your horse’s safety and wellbeing.
This guide offers essential knowledge and a practical checklist to help you build and maintain a reliable equine first aid kit.
Keep emergency contact numbers – yours, your vet’s, and a backup – clearly visible in the stable or field.
Knowing what’s ‘normal’: clinical parameters
How do you know if your horse is ‘normal’? Before you can recognize a problem, you need to know what “normal” looks like. While there are reference ranges, each horse has individual baselines. Regularly monitoring your horse’s vitals will help you detect changes quickly.
Tip: Ask your vet to demonstrate how to take vitals correctly during a routine visit.
Acute lameness and suspected fractures
If your horse suddenly appears lame in the stable or pasture, start by carefully identifying the affected limb. Inspect the area for:
• Swelling or localized heat
• A loose or missing shoe
• A foreign object in the hoof
• Cuts, abrasions, or areas of pain
Don’t forget to examine the rest of the body. Trauma doesn’t always affect just one leg.
Fracture warning signs
Horses with fractures often show sudden, non-weight-bearing lameness. Complete fractures may cause visible instability.
Do not move the horse. Wait for the veterinarian to stabilize the leg. Any unnecessary movement could worsen the injury—or turn a closed fracture into an open one.
In case of suspected (open) fracture:
• Call your vet immediately.
• Do not move the horse.
• Keep the horse calm and still.
• If there’s an open wound, cover it with a clean or sterile dressing.
• Stay calm and prioritize your safety...
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