First Aid Kit for the Trail

Here's what should go into trail riding first aid kits for horses and humans.

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When it comes to first aid preparedness, humans aren’t the only ones to consider. From scrapes to sprains, horses need emergency care, too. Experienced trail riders recommend assembling equine-friendly first aid kits and carry them in a saddlebag or other appropriate pouch.

Trail Riding

Here’s what should go into a basic first-aid kit for horses:

  • Vetwrap
  • Alcohol prep pads
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Bandaging tape
  • Fine tooth comb
  • Scissors
  • Peroxide

Any group departing on a trail ride should have a first aid kit complete enough to address common minor injuries to riders, and small enough to fit in a saddlebag.

Here is a list of kit contents for meeting basic first aid needs based on the Red Cross’s recommendations:

  • One box of adhesive bandages, various sizes
  • One 5″ x 9″ sterile dressing
  • One conforming gauze bandage roll
  • Two triangular bandages
  • Two 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads
  • Two 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads
  • One roll 3″ cohesive bandage
  • Two germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Medical-grade non-latex gloves
  • Adhesive tape, 2″ wide
  • Anti-bacterial ointment
  • Cold pack
  • Small scissors
  • Tweezers
  • CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield

2 COMMENTS

  1. Add to that kit, knowlege! Its a good idea to take a course on first aid and CPR. You never know when you are going to need it, out on the trail, at a show or at home!

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