Building the Best Equine First Aid Kit: A Guide for Aussie Horse Owners
- Loz
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Stay Prepared, Stay Safe: Everything You Need to Know About Equine First Aid Kits
Every horse owner knows that accidents can happen at any time, whether you’re out on a bush ride, competing at an event, or just tending to your horse at home or on agistment. Having a well-stocked equine first aid kit isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for providing immediate care and keeping your horse safe and comfortable until a vet arrives. Let’s break down how to build the ultimate kit, keep it up to scratch, and connect you with the best resources for ongoing equine care and education.
Essential Items for Your Equine First Aid Kit
Here’s a list of must-have products for every equine first aid kit, along with links to recommended Aussie suppliers to make your shopping easy:
Elastoplast (minimum 2) 7.5cmx 7m or 10cm x 2.3m
Poultice (Animalintex)
Saline Bottle
Iodine/Iodine Surgical Scrub
Plastic bags for rubbish
Baby wipes
Hippo Health Mud & Rain (greasy heal)
Hippo Health Sweet Itch Plus (QLD itch)
Loratadine Antihistamine - 1 tablet/100kg
Terramycin Pinkeye Spray (thrush)
Ezall Sheath Cleaner (for stallions/geldings)
Vitamin C injection (for snake bites)
Small bucket for soaking items
Flamazine (need vet prescription)
Imaverol (need vet prescription)
Acular Eye Drops (need vet prescription)
Annual Kit Check: Keeping Your Kit Up-to-Date
Just like your car’s rego, your equine first aid kit deserves a yearly review. Set a date—perhaps at the start of spring—to check expiry dates on all products, especially medications, saline, and antiseptics. Discard anything that’s out of date or damaged. Restock items you’ve used throughout the year. This simple habit ensures you’re always ready for the unexpected.
If you have more than one horse, it may be an idea to review at least twice a year, as you may go through products/equipment more frequently.
A good habit here is if you use something, order it for immediate replacement. I'd rather have too many first aid products on hand than not enough!
Optimal Storage Solutions: Mobility and Accessibility
Your equine first aid kit should be stored in a sturdy, waterproof container—think a heavy-duty plastic toolbox or a lockable esky. Look for options with handles and compartments to keep supplies organised and easy to grab in a hurry. For those who travel to comps or trail rides, consider a smaller, portable kit for your float or ute so you’re always prepared on the go. Make sure everyone on your property knows where the kit is kept and keep it out of direct sunlight to preserve sensitive supplies.
My tip: I keep my Equine First Aid Kit permanently in the back of my ute using a DeWALT ToughSyetem 2.0 DS400 (it's not cheap but extremely sturdy for our Aussie climate and adventures... Googling can find ones on sale so have fun shopping!).
Equine Guides On-Hand
Keep detailed instructions/guidance in your equine first aid kit. This will help you out, particularly if you are waiting for a vet to arrive. Precious time and your response may make the difference between life and death outcomes!
Here are some good starting points:
Dr. Kellon's Guide to First Aid for Horses by Eleanor Kellon VMD
Essential First Aid: The Horse Owners Handbook by My Horse Supplies.com.au
Handbook of Equine Emergencies by Debra Archer
Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook by Thomas Gore, Paula Gore, James M Giffin & Beth Adelman
The Complete Equine Emergency Bible by Karen Coumbe
What to do until the Vet Arrives: Emergency Care for Horses by Dr Nancy Loving
Further Learning: Equine First Aid Courses
Want to boost your confidence and skills? KS Equestrian offers fantastic Equine First Aid courses for all levels. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming dates, tips, and community support. Kate, founder of KS Equestrian, is a seasoned Vet Nurse and really loves sharing her skills and knowledge with you. You can arm yourself with the best information on how to help your horse with injuries and emergency situations (having this knowledge will also drastically help your vet with the detailed information needed) until your vet arrives.
Local Vet Resources: Canberra Region's Best
For those in the Canberra region, knowing your local vets can make all the difference in an emergency. Not sure who they are, don't worry - I've got you covered. They are centrally stored here for your convenience.
Additional Tips for Kit Maintenance and Use
Train all family members who are around your fur babies and agistment staff on equine first aid and kit location.
Keep a basic instruction sheet for common emergencies in your kit.
Replenish used items promptly after each use.
Store a backup kit in your float or vehicle for off-property adventures.
Keep a list of emergency contacts in your kit - ensure your ICE in your phone is updated too and any smart watches configured for incidents to alert to appropriate people too.
Keep a bottle of clean saline/water on hand for cleaning wounds or mixing solutions.
Put a reminder in your phone/electronic calendar to annually review your equine first aid kit (to throw out expired products and re-stock on any items (for more than one horse I would recommend reviewing this at least twice a year).
Conclusion: Stay Prepared, Stay Proactive
Investing time and a bit of cash into a top-notch equine first aid kit is one of the best ways to care for your horse and give yourself peace of mind. With regular checks, smart storage, and ongoing education, you’ll be ready to handle whatever comes your way—whether it’s a minor scrape or a more serious emergency. Stay safe and happy riding!
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