Horse First Aid

Reading time: 5 minutes

First aid for horses can be life-saving. Learn how to react correctly in emergencies, treat injuries and monitor the horse's vital signs. This guide will help you to be prepared and make the most of the time until the vet arrives. Discover important emergency measures, dressing instructions and tips for emergencies.

Contents

General information on first aid for horses

First aid measures are crucial for anyone who regularly deals with horses. Quick and knowledgeable action can not only save a horse 's life, but also speed up the healing process considerably. Injuries, colic, throat blockages or other emergencies can occur at any time, whether in the stable, in the pasture or on a ride. It is therefore essential that horse owners know the basics of first aid for horses. This includes recognizing symptoms, treating wounds and stabilizing the horse until the vet arrives.

The obligation to provide first aid is based on legal principles:

Horse owner
Caregivers appointed by the owner
Persons who deal commercially with horses
Important! No one is required to provide first aid if their own life is endangered
Everyone is allowed to give first aid (at their own risk), even without consultation with the owner and cannot be held accountable for mistakes made
Costs incurred during first aid must be borne by the owner

➡️ Video tip: In this video you will learn everything about the most important first aid measures for injuries and lameness. You will learn how to stay calm in emergencies, assess the situation correctly and stabilize your horse safely. We will also show you step by step how to apply bandages, stop bleeding and provide the horse with optimum care until the vet arrives. Perfect for anyone who wants to be prepared when it counts!

Regular refresher courses are important in order to react safely and calmly in stressful situations. First aid courses for horses can be crucial here in order to carry out life-saving measures correctly.

First aid for horses - basic measures

The ability to administer first aid to a horse in an emergency is essential for every horse owner and caretaker. Quick and level-headed action can be crucial to ensure the animal's well-being and prevent serious consequences.

When and how should first aid be administered?

First aid for horses is always required when a horse suffers injuries or shows symptoms that indicate a serious illness. This includes situations such as colic, lameness, respiratory distress or visible wounds. The aim of first aid is to stabilize the horse's condition, alleviate pain and prevent further damage until professional veterinary help arrives.

Calming the horse and securing the environment

An injured or sick horse can react anxiously or stressed. It is important to remain calm and reassure the horse. Speak in a calming voice and avoid hasty movements. Secure the environment by removing potential sources of danger and moving the horse to a safe place, ideally a quiet, dry and well-lit environment.

Important first steps

Keep calm: Your calmness is transferred to the horse and helps to avoid panic.
Measure vital signsChecking the vital signs provides important information about the horse's state of health.
- Pulse: A healthy pulse is between 28 and 40 beats per minute. The pulse can be felt on the lower jaw.
- Breathing: The normal breathing rate is 8 to 16 breaths per minute. Observe the flank movements or hold your hand in front of the nostrils to count the breaths.
- Temperature: The normal body temperature is between 37.5 and 38.2 °C. Measure the temperature rectally with a digital thermometer.
Preparation for the vet visit:
- Documentation: Note the measured vital signs as well as observed symptoms and behavioral changes.
- Contact: Inform the vet immediately and describe the situation in detail.
- Allow access: Make sure that the vet has unhindered access to the horse and that all necessary information is available.

With these basic measures, you can help your horse effectively and safely. Remember: A well-equipped first aid kit for horses or a first aid bag for horses should always be to hand so that you can react quickly in an emergency.

Vital signs of the horse

➡️ Video tip: In this video you will learn how to check the your horse's vital signs correctly and interpret them. Learn how to check the pulse, respiration and temperature correctly and classify the results. We will show you practical tips for recognizing abnormalities early on and acting effectively in emergencies. Perfect for any horse owner who wants to keep an eye on their horse's health!

PAT values (pulse-respiration-temperature) important for the phone call with the veterinarian

The PAT values - pulse, respiration and temperature - are essential for assessing your horse's state of health. They not only serve as a guide for you, but are also extremely important if you want to give the vet an accurate assessment of your horse's condition. By measuring the PAT values regularly, you can develop a routine and quickly recognize when something is wrong.

Here is an overview table to help you check your horse 's most important vital signs and observation points. It is ideal for quickly assessing the state of health and having all the necessary information ready for a consultation with the vet. With this chart, you can ensure that you are prepared in any situation.

Parameters	Normal values/characteristics
Pulse	Adult horses: 28-40 beats/minute; foals: 100-120 beats/minute. Can be measured on the lower jaw or next to the eye. Do not use the thumb.
Breathing	Adult horses: 8-16 breaths/minute; foals: 20-30 breaths/minute. Observable on the chest, belly and flank. Observe sounds.
Temperature	Adults: 37.5-38.2°C; foals: 38.3-39.3°C. Can be measured rectally with a digital thermometer. Fever from 38.5°C, threatening from 39°C.
Mucous membranes	Normal: pale pink, moist, smooth and shiny. Abnormalities: Paleness, severe redness, bleeding, discharge, swelling.
Capillary filling time	Maximum 2 seconds for blood flow to return after finger pressure. Longer times indicate shock.
Fluid balance	Skin fold passes immediately, maximum 3 seconds. Delay indicates dehydration.
Bowel sounds	Can be listened to with a stethoscope at 4 points (right/left flank, right/left lower abdomen).
Fecal/urine output	Monitor quantity, color, odor and consistency. Deviations indicate problems.
Behavior	Apathy, changes in eye expression, conspicuous facial expressions or gestures can indicate problems.
Nasal discharge	Whitish/yellow: Dental problems or infection of the respiratory tract. Food residue: Gullet blockage, stomach overlay.
Musculoskeletal system	Observe abnormalities in limb position, weight bearing, hoof temperature or croup height.

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How do I measure PAT values?

Here is a simple guide on how to measure your horse's PAT values (pulse, respiration, temperature):

1. measure your pulse

Measuring points:
- On the lower jaw (artery), below the eye or with a stethoscope behind the left elbow.
How it works:
1. Feel the pulse wave on the artery with two fingers (do not use your thumb).
2. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to calculate the beats per minute.

2. measure breathing

Measuring points:
- Observe movements of the chest, abdomen or flanks.
- Alternatively, feel the air flow at the nostrils.
How it works:
1. Count the breaths (inhalation and exhalation count as one breath) for 15 seconds.
2. Multiply the number by 4 to get the respiratory rate per minute.

3. measure temperature

Measuring point:
- Rectally with a digital clinical thermometer.
How it works:
1. Apply Vaseline or lubricant to the thermometer and carefully insert it rectally (approx. 3-5 cm deep).
2. Wait for the signal from the thermometer and note the temperature.

Tip box Tip

Tip:

Practice measuring PAT values regularly on a healthy horse. This way you will develop a routine and know your horse's individual normal values. This will help you to recognize deviations at an early stage and act in good time.

Correctly applying bandages to horses

➡️ Video tip: In this video we show you step by step how to apply a bandage to a horse. bandage on a horse. You will learn how to properly cover wounds, pad the affected area and securely fasten the bandage - without impairing circulation. We also explain when which bandage - whether pressure, hoof or splint bandage - is used. Perfect for acting safely in an emergency and giving your horse the best possible care!

General principles

Padding: Bandages must always be well padded to protect the underlying bones and tissue.
Wrapping technique: Start in the middle of the cannon bone, wrap first downwards and then upwards without creases.
Maintain the direction: All layers should be wrapped in the same direction to avoid creasing.
No ointments/sprays: Avoid the use of ointments or sprays before the veterinary examination as they make the assessment more difficult.
Check safe stability: After applying the bandage, the horse should be turned backwards to check the load and avoid tripping hazards.

Types of dressings

Association	Description
Simple dressing	Starts at the fetlock joint. Can be extended to the fetlock bend and the hoof if required. Well suited for minor injuries without significant swelling.
High dressing	Start with a deep bandage as a base. Pad the carpal joint or ankle joint well. Wrap directly onto the joint without applying pressure so as not to impair blood circulation.
Pressure dressing	Apply the bandage like a simple bandage, but use several compresses or a gauze bandage to apply pressure to the injury site. If necessary, apply additional pressure bandages without increasing the tension. Caution: Do not pull the bandage too tight to avoid circulation problems.
Splint dressing	Use: Only for fractures or suspected fractures to make the horse fit for transportation. Steps: Apply a simple bandage. Apply more padding and tighten the bandage. Fix splint material (e.g. broomstick, stable branches) on the outside. Wrap a second layer of bandage over it to secure the splints.
Hoof dressing	First layer: padding up to above the crown joint. Secure the padding with an elastic bandage. Apply a waterproof layer (e.g. adhesive tape, hoof boot) on top.
Sprue dressing	First apply a hoof bandage. Pour 0.5-1 liter of disinfectant solution into the bandage twice a day. Remove the bandage after 2-3 days and apply a dry hoof bandage.
Head and eye bandage	Very difficult to apply correctly. In the case of eye injuries, it is often sufficient to bring the horse to a quiet place and prevent it from rubbing the injury. If necessary, use soft padding and elastic fixations.

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The correct application of bandages is an essential skill for every horse owner to protect injuries and promote healing. Well-padded, correctly applied bandages prevent further damage and optimally prepare the horse for veterinary care. It is important to proceed calmly and systematically, not to use unnecessary aids such as ointments or sprays, and to always check the blood circulation and the stability of the bandage. With a little practice and preparation, applying bandages becomes a safe and effective part of first aid for horses.

Recognizing and treating emergencies

Type of injury	Causes	Symptoms	Special dangers	First aid measures
Lacerations, bites, peeling/piercing and stab wounds	Accident (traffic, pasture, horseback riding), injuries caused by nails, tools, wire/braid	Bleeding, foreign bodies in the wound, swelling, heat, nosebleeds	Tetanus, gas gangrene, infections (joints, tendons)	Clean wound, remove hair, do not remove foreign body, apply dressing, cool, call vet
Nail Kick	Entry of sharp objects such as nails, stones, broken glass	Horse suddenly goes lame	Infection of bones, joints, tendons	Wash/disinfect hoof sole, remove and mark foreign bodies, apply sprue bandage, check tetanus vaccination, call vet
Stomach Blockage	Feeding swelling feed without soaking, too large pieces of feed, painful processes in the mouth	Salivation, stretched neck, coughing, snorting, food residue from the nostrils, thickening in the throat area, difficult breathing, panic	Circulatory problems, loss of fluids	Call vet, remove food residue, keep airways clear, massage throat, calm horse down
Colic	Stress, weather changes, lack of fluids, parasites, dental problems, incorrect feeding	restlessness, scratching, rolling, stomach ache, sweating, refusal to eat	Intestinal obstruction, gassing	Contact the vet, withdraw food, offer water, let the horse roll, massage the belly, lead the horse calmly
Eye diseases	Dust, insects, small foreign bodies, infections	Lacrimation, photophobia, foreign body sensation, reddened conjunctiva	Infections, corneal damage	Rinse out foreign body with water, cover injuries, call vet
Heat Stroke/Overheating	Overexertion in the heat, too little water intake	Increased respiratory rate, sweating, apathy, swaying	Collapse, circulatory failure	Bring into shade, cool, offer water
Laminitis	Overload, metabolic problems, poisoning	Stiff gait, warm hooves, pulsation, sawhorse position	Shoeing out, permanent lameness	Cooling, padded bandage, contact vet
Poisonings	Poisonous plants, chemicals, medicines	Salivation, restlessness, diarrhea, colic, shortness of breath	Circulatory weakness, central disturbances	Stop poison intake, offer water, call vet
Allergic reactions	Insect bites, plants, animal feed	Itching, hives, edema, shortness of breath	Anaphylactic shock	Remove allergen, cool affected area, contact vet
Burns	Stable burn, sunburn	Redness, blistering, skin peeling	Infection, circulatory collapse	Cool, offer water, call vet
Bullet Hole	Overlooked injuries, hoof ulcers	Swelling, warmth, lameness	Fever, infections	Cool, apply bandage, call vet
Crossverschlag	Cold start after rest days, metabolic problems	Stiff gait, sweating, muscle tremors	Muscle destruction, kidney damage	Immobilize horse, cover warmly, contact vet

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Stable pharmacy horse

➡️ Video tip: In this video, you will learn how to build your stable first-aid kit optimally equipped - with everything from disinfectants to thermometers - and how to organize it properly so that everything is ready to hand in an emergency. You will also find out when a stationary stable pharmacy makes sense and when you should use a mobile first aid kit for your horse. Perfect for being well prepared and offering your horse the best care in an emergency!

A stable pharmacy for horses is an essential part of keeping horses. It is used to quickly treat minor injuries, discomfort or emergencies before a vet arrives. If you would like to know more about the perfect equipment and all the details, take a look at our detailed article on the stable first-aid kit for horses for horses! Here we give you a brief overview without giving too much away.

Stable first aid kit vs. mobile first aid kit

The stable pharmacy is designed for a fixed location in the stable and contains more comprehensive equipment. In contrast, the mobile first aid kit for horses is smaller, lighter and designed for on the go - ideal for rides, competitions or transportation. Both are important and should complement each other.

What belongs in the medicine cabinet?

Here are some important ingredients that no medicine cabinet should be without:

Medication: Disinfectants, wound ointments, electrolyte solutions.
Dressing material: gauze bandages, compresses, adhesive tape.
Aids: Thermometer, tweezers, scissors.

Of course, this is just a small selection - for a complete checklist and more tips, read our article about the stable pharmacy for horses.

First aid for horses: Summarized

First aid knowledge is essential for every horse owner, as emergencies such as injuries, colic or throat blockages can occur anywhere and at any time. With a calm, structured approach, you can help your horse in critical moments and bridge the time until the vet arrives.

The most important measures include recognizing symptoms, measuring vital signs and stabilizing your horse. A well-equipped first aid kit for horses and a stable first-aid kit are essential tools for being able to react quickly and effectively.

It is also advisable to attend regular first aid courses for horses to refresh your knowledge and to act safely and calmly in stressful situations. Good preparation can make all the difference - for the well-being and safety of your horse.

Would you like to equip your first aid kit optimally or find out which first aid measures you need to consider in detail? Take a look at our detailed article on first aid kits and always be prepared!

First aid for horses: The most important questions and answers

Why is first aid for horses so important?

‍Firstaid can save your horse's life or prevent serious consequences in an emergency. Quick and competent action stabilizes the horse and prepares it optimally for treatment by the vet.

Which emergencies occur most frequently in horses?

‍Frequentemergencies in horses include colic, throat blockages, injuries (e.g. cuts or bites), lameness, respiratory distress, laminitis and poisoning.

What belongs in a first aid kit for horses?

‍Afirst aid kit for horses should contain at least: Wound disinfectant, sterile compresses, absorbent cotton, elastic bandages, adhesive tape, digital thermometer, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves and a list of important telephone numbers (vet, clinic, farrier).

How do I measure my horse's vital signs?

Pulse: Feel the artery on the lower jaw or behind the left elbow. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Normal value: 28-40 beats/minute.
Breathing: Observe the flank movement or feel the air flow at the nostrils. Normal value: 8-16 breaths/minute.
Temperature: Measure the temperature rectally with a digital thermometer. Normal value: 37.5-38.2 °C.

‍Whatdo I do if heavy bleeding does not stop?

‍Applya pressure bandage by placing several compresses directly on the wound and securing them with a gauze bandage. If necessary, place a second bandage over the first. Call the vet and keep the horse calm.

Should I attend first aid courses for horses?

‍Yes, first aid courses for horses teach practical skills and give you the confidence to act calmly and correctly in stressful situations.

Where can I find more information about first aid for horses?

‍Youcan find more tips and checklists in our article on the stable pharmacy . You can also watch our videos to learn more about vital signs, bandages and the right care for your horse!

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