Hi all. I'm a relatively new horse owner and I board rather than keep him at my house.  We are in a subdivision and the neighbors might complain!  Anyway,  while the place I board keeps first aid supplies on hand I would like to create my own kit to keep with my brushes etc.  What would you recommend as the basic, have-to-have first aid tools to have available.

 Thanks!

 Every first aid kit should include:

Disinfectant, wound ointment or powder, wound dressings crepe bandages, Adhesive bandages, gamgee tissue, cotton wool, skin swabs, cold packs, poultice, thermometer, scissors with round edges for safety, fly repelent, stethescope(sp?), wound cleanser cream or liquid. You can get most of this at valley vet supply. Hope this helps.

 We keep Banamine on hand in case of colic. It's come in handy many times, which we have alot of horses on our farm. Duct tape comes in handy keeping a bandaged leg wrapped.

A bunch of the on-line equestrian outfits sell pre-made first aid kits.  I got mine from Dover Saddlery, I think it was.  Valley Vet, KV Vet, places like that, carry 'em too.  If you can afford it, go for a deluxe kit.

Mary

Here are my recommendations:

Essential First Aid Kit

 I was looking in my Country Supply catalog and there is a first aid kit for $35.99. It includes everything you need, including a first aid book. Hope this helps.

Sunscreen for white noses

feminine maxi pads for cuts on feet or legs--they work really well for, well, bleeding wounds.  Add a little vet wrap and it stays in place.  Unless it's on my pony, heh heh.

You can go pretty crazy with buying first aid stuff for horses -- if your farm has first aid supplies as well, there are probably things you can save money on and skip.  For example, I don't have to buy Banamine because the farm always has some.

I keep my kit basic and it has always covered everything I need until a vet gets there (if required).

-plenty of VetWrap!!!

-duct tape for wrapping feet

-SWAT and blue lotion (that purple stuff) for disinfecting wounds after cold hosing

-scissors 

-gauze/roll cotton

 -latex gloves

-thermometer

-Epsom salts

-Bute (painkiller) 

I think that's about it -- and it covers pretty much everything from cuts, scrapes, bumps, abscesses,and fevers.

Congrats on joining the ranks of us "crazy horse people"!  LOL!

 First, I'd ask the barn owner/manager where the first-aid kit is, what's in it, and do you have access to it in an emergency (even if you can't locate the owner/manager).  That will help you figure out what you need. 

I would keep a few things handy in my own box at the barn: general wound ointment (like Corona), Ichthamol drawing salve, a roll of vet wrap and a maxi pad, duct tape, a pocket knife, a thermometer, a vital signs cheat sheet (I think you can find one at www.equisearch.com), a few Bute tablets, Banamine, and Ace (and a couple of needles and syringes).  I have a first aid kit in my trailer with those things listed.  The one here at the farm is extensive enough to put a vet clinic to shame!  LOL!

I carry a first aid kit in my truck and the basics I carry personally are:

 Vetwrap

gauze pads (and yes, maxi pads are GREAT for bleeders)

iodine

peroxide

2 bottles saline eye wash (can also work as wound wash-won't irritate lacerated tissues!!! keep one for eye wounds-I have a one eyed horse so I think of such things and the other can be in a squeeze bottle to provide a little pressure for flushing flesh wounds)

latex gloves

strip of surgical tubing or stretchy fabric strip  (for a tourniquet if needed)

bandage shears

duct tape (lots of it)

easyboot (optional-I deal with hoof stuff a lot, so it's handy)

stethescope

thermometer (alcohol wipes to clean before and after)

furacine ointment (can be used on eye injuries in a pinch and doesn't sting-learned from a vet)

Chemical sedation, plus hobbles, fly mask (for eye injuries) and a couple of polo wraps ( can help hold gauze on and provide support, where as vet wrap doens't support)

Since you are wanting a basic one for personal use, just stick with lots of gauze, vet wrap and duct tape plus the wound wash and idodine. Bandage shears are a must for everyone.You won' t need to keep banamine and stethescopes if your barn manager keeps them around. Gloves are nice, but in pinch you can function without them. It's just gonna be messier for you.