You may think that your First-Aid kit is well stocked with bandages, ointments, and an equine thermometer. But stocking up on these unusual items will make caring for your horse’s injuries and illnesses so much easier.
Finger Cots – While you probably have a box of disposable surgical gloves hanging out in your First-Aid kit, it’s a shame to waste an entire glove every time that you need to put ointment on a horse’s wound. Pick up a package of finger cots – they easily slip onto just your finger to keep it clean while you administer ointments.
Empty Dish Detergent Bottle – Thoroughly washed out, an empty dish detergent bottle can make washing out wounds, especially on a horse’s legs, easier.
Diapers – Diapers make excellent hoof bandages when treating a horse for an abscess.
Headlamp – If you’ve ever tried to treat a horse’s injuries at night, you know that no matter how you position yourself, shadows always seem to get in the way. A small headlamp will keep injuries illuminated as you work, while leaving your hands free. Just be careful not to direct its beam towards your horse’s eyes.
Tube Socks – Tube socks can fit over your horse’s hoof to keep a poultice in place. They’re easy to slip on and wash, and best of all, they’re cheap!
Empty Saline Bags – The next time that your vet visits your barn, ask if he can give you a few empty large saline bags. Cut one end off of the bag and it’s instantly transformed into a hoof soaking boot. If your horse has an abscess, slip his hoof into the bag, fill it up with water and whatever you choose to use as a drawing agent, and let the horse stand and soak. The bag is firm enough to often stand up on its own, but you can also tape the top while the horse stands.
Treating an injured horse is never pleasant, but these unusual items can make the job a bit easier. What creative items are in your First-Aid kit?
Finger Cots – While you probably have a box of disposable surgical gloves hanging out in your First-Aid kit, it’s a shame to waste an entire glove every time that you need to put ointment on a horse’s wound. Pick up a package of finger cots – they easily slip onto just your finger to keep it clean while you administer ointments.
Empty Dish Detergent Bottle – Thoroughly washed out, an empty dish detergent bottle can make washing out wounds, especially on a horse’s legs, easier.
Diapers – Diapers make excellent hoof bandages when treating a horse for an abscess.
Headlamp – If you’ve ever tried to treat a horse’s injuries at night, you know that no matter how you position yourself, shadows always seem to get in the way. A small headlamp will keep injuries illuminated as you work, while leaving your hands free. Just be careful not to direct its beam towards your horse’s eyes.
Tube Socks – Tube socks can fit over your horse’s hoof to keep a poultice in place. They’re easy to slip on and wash, and best of all, they’re cheap!
Empty Saline Bags – The next time that your vet visits your barn, ask if he can give you a few empty large saline bags. Cut one end off of the bag and it’s instantly transformed into a hoof soaking boot. If your horse has an abscess, slip his hoof into the bag, fill it up with water and whatever you choose to use as a drawing agent, and let the horse stand and soak. The bag is firm enough to often stand up on its own, but you can also tape the top while the horse stands.
Treating an injured horse is never pleasant, but these unusual items can make the job a bit easier. What creative items are in your First-Aid kit?
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