First-Aid Checklist

In addition to any medications your veterinarian recommends specifically for your horse (bute, penicillin, Banamine, or dipyrone analgesic, tranquilizer, etc.) stock your “on the road” first-aid kit with the following:

Mild antiseptic solution or soap

35 cc syringe for flushing puncture wounds

Clean sponge

Antibiotic dusting powder or spray

Antibiotic ointment or cream

Mild liniment

Poultice

Rubbing alcohol

Petroleum jelly

Epsom salts

Cotton swabs (use instead of fingers to transfer medication from jars or tubes to wounds to avoid contamination)

Sterile gauze pads and bandages

Adhesive tape

Blunt-tipped scissors

Tweezers

Equine rectal thermometer

Fly spray

Ask your veterinarian to check your ability to read your horse’s vital signs and to show you how to apply a pressure bandage to stop bleeding, how to use a twitch, how to administer intramuscular shots, and how to give any medications you’ll be taking along.

Useful Items to Take on the Trail and for Camp

Safety & Survival Items:

Maps

Knife

Canteen/thermos

First aid kit

Ace bandages

Compass

Whistle

Matches

Flashlight

Sunburn lotion

Emergency shelter

For Your Horse:

E-Z Picket picket line

Neck rope

Extra halter and lead ropes

Extra curb strap

Saddlebags

Horse blankets or sheets

Bucket

Rawhide thongs for minor repairs

Hoofpick

Extra salt or electrolytes (I like the paste variety for the saddlebag)

For You:

Riding boots

Rubber footwear for wet mornings

Rain gear

Clothes for temperature extremes

Hat

Sunglasses

Insect repellent

Camera

Camping equipment as needed

Snacks (for you and your horse)