What Should Every Horse Owner Have on Hand?

No matter your experience level as a horse owner, there are some essential items every rider should have on hand. These items will keep your animal secure and healthy!

The initial item required is a halter and lead rope. A grooming kit with a hoof pick, curry brush, finishing brush, and mane comb follow.

First Aid Kit

Every horse owner should keep a first aid kit handy in their barn, trailer, or tack room. Not only is having these items accessible convenient but could potentially make all the difference during an emergency scenario.

Even if it’s something as minor as a leg injury or an unexpected event, being prepared can make all the difference. A well-stocked first aid kit with all essential items should provide all you need to care for your horse until professional help arrives.

Sam Burton Henley, facility manager at Sandy River Equestrian Center in Navasota, Texas, recommends bandages such as sheet cotton cut into 1-meter strips or VetRap (a self-adherent bandage), for wrapping around a laceration to hold it together and prevent further bleeding until your horse can be seen by a veterinarian. These bandages should always be used when your horse receives any type of medical care, according to Sam.

Stethoscopes are essential tools for checking your horse’s pulse and respiration, as well as communicating these vital signs to the vet when necessary. It’s wise to have one standard stethoscope per horse in the barn or keep one at home with you at all times so you can become proficient with its use.

Medications can be effective for managing pain, decreasing swelling, and speeding healing – but only with your veterinarian’s consent. Without the expertise to read a horse’s symptoms accurately, medications may mask the true issue and delay proper diagnosis.

Treats

Treats can be a wonderful way to reward your horse for good behavior, but they may also pose health risks.

Fruit and vegetables are generally the ideal treats for horses. However, some fruits and vegetables should not be given as treats due to their high sugar content.

For example, carrots are often seen as unsuitable for horses prone to laminitis and those diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Insulin Dysregulation (ID). While it’s not necessary to completely ban carrots from your horse’s diet, it is wise to educate yourself on the nutrient levels of different fruits and vegetables so you can make an informed decision about which ones would benefit your animal best.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the more sugar your horse eats, the higher their insulin needs will be. This could cause an abrupt spike in their blood sugar level which may lead to other issues.

In general, treats should only be fed in moderation and no more than four treats should be given per day. Some commercially manufactured treats contain added ingredients like vitamins or joint support; it’s important that your horse gets enough of these additives in order to reap their benefits.

Additionally, treats can be an effective tool to help your horse cope with stressful situations like being stabled. Utilizing foraging devices designed with small treats inside can encourage your horse to naturally forage when in the stable, which helps reduce stress levels and keep them calmer while being held.

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Blankets

No matter if your horse is indoor or outdoor, having the appropriate blankets on hand can be invaluable. Not only do they keep your animal warm and dry, but they’re also great for covering them during transport or under a trailer.

When selecting the ideal blanket for your horse, there are several factors to consider: coat condition, living environment, digestive health, and age.

The blanket should cover the horse’s entire body, with a secure fit over the shoulder and withers that prevents any rubbing or pressure points. Additionally, it should cover his legs so he isn’t left exposed to external elements.

Additionally, the blanket should be waterproof. A blanket that’s not watertight can cause your horse to sweat, leading to itching on his skin.

When selecting a blanket, look for those made with high denier fibers. These fabrics tend to be thicker and provide greater protection from external elements.

Once you’ve selected the ideal blanket for your horse, make sure to clean it regularly in order to keep it in good condition. A dirty blanket can become a breeding ground for skin fungus and bacteria as well as cause discomfort due to excessive friction.

Finally, don’t forget to regularly clean the fasteners and attachments on your blanket! They can become dirty quickly.

Quick-clip fasteners are great when you need to take a blanket on and off quickly, as they’re usually easy to open with one hand. In cold weather, especially when used with gloves, quick-clip fasteners make taking blankets off much easier! There are plenty of styles available so whatever works best for your horse will work great!

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Blanket Collection

Horse owners should have a blanket collection that covers all kinds of weather and temperatures. From having winter blankets for cold days to summer ones protecting them from insects, and autumn ones for cool, rainy days – having the correct kind of protection at the right time is key!

Blankets can also help monitor your horse’s body temperature and keep them warm in the field, which is beneficial for their well-being. The ideal blankets should be made from durable yet lightweight fabric with high-denier threads so they’re strong enough to withstand chewing or biting from other horses or objects.

For instance, 1000D ballistic nylon is tougher and more durable than 1200D polyester, which has less bite resistance and may stain when removed. When selecting a blanket for your horse, take into account their living/grazing conditions, clipping routine, weight, age, and exercise level before making your selection.

Once you find the ideal blanket fit, it is essential to keep it clean and maintained properly. This includes line-drying the blanket and making sure all buckles and attachments are in working condition.

The right blanket can make a big difference to your horse’s comfort level, so it’s worth taking the time to get them used to wear their new one. Start by only giving them their blanket for a few hours at a time and gradually increase its duration until they feel secure wearing it all day long.

Maintaining a blanket collection for your horse not only keeps them secure and comfortable, but it can also save you money in the long run. Keeping blankets in good condition keeps you out of the vet’s office more often, plus it prevents having to buy new ones when they become dirty or damaged.

Vet Kit

Every horse owner should always keep a fully stocked vet kit handy, whether it’s in their barn or trailer. Having the right supplies on hand can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency scenario.

When your horse suffers an injury or becomes ill, you will want to do everything possible until a veterinarian arrives. A well-stocked first-aid kit can provide quick triage of an injured horse and basic care until help arrives.

First and foremost, clean the wound. Doing so will stop bleeding and protect it from infection. Depending on how severe the injury is, suturing may be required; however, this should only be done in a veterinary office setting.

It is essential to monitor your horse for any unusual behaviors or patterns. If they seem to be eating and drinking less than usual or have diarrhea, this could be indicative of an underlying issue.

Sometimes, this can be an indication of colic or suppuration. A rectal thermometer can be useful in checking the temperature in a suspected case of colic or suppuration.

In case of suspected colic, you’ll also require a stethoscope for monitoring gut sounds or heart rate.

Another essential item for any vet kit is a plastic digital rectal thermometer. This instrument can quickly check your horse’s temperature and allow you to inform the veterinarian over the phone what’s wrong before they even arrive at the clinic.

Finally, be sure to keep a copy of a veterinary first-aid book in your first-aid kit. This will enable you to better understand how to treat different types of injuries and monitor your horse’s temperatures and symptoms before calling a veterinarian.