First Aid Kit for the Trail

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.

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