Emergency Kit for the Barn

Although we all hope the unexpected doesn't happen, it's important to be prepared when it does. All barns, big or small, should have an emergency kit in an easily accessible place.

We recommend keeping it in a primary tack room or bathroom. Some people keep them in the barn office -- which is fine as long as the office is never locked. There are some good pre-fabricated medical kits you can buy, but if you go that route, it's important you know what's in the kit and how to use it. We strongly recommend that you keep a second kit in the trailer whenever you're taking a horse or horses away from the barn. Taking the time to put the right kit together before you need it will help decrease stress when you find yourself running to get it. We also remind you that if you're not a vet, don't pretend to be one. Injuries can be made far more serious with improper treatment. When in doubt, keep your horse comfortable and wait for the vet.

Here's U Rock 'n Ride's run down on how to build a complete emergency kit.

• Make it portable. The kit should be in a good sized, sturdy box with a big handle so it's easy to grab and move on the fly. There are boxes available at your local home or farm supply store that are reasonably priced. In our experience, if you can get one with wheels, do it. It makes it easy for anyone to get the kit where it needs to be.

• Know what's in your kit. Type up an inventory list by category of exactly what's in the kit that includes the expiration date of supplies. Put the list in a plastic sleeve and update it and your kit every 90 days throwing away any expired supplies.

• Clean rags and/or towels. These are helpful for cleaning up cuts or applying to wounds, but can also be handy for general clean up of you and the horse.

• Halter and lead rope. If the horse you have to help is in the pasture, it's nice to have a spare set in your kit.

• Flashlight. Emergencies often happen at night. Stalls and pastures are not always well lit.

• Insect repellant for both human and horse.

• Hammer, crowbar and wire cutters. These are your best bets for when a horse gets caught up in fencing.

• Duct tape. Gotta have it. It's a great tool when vet wrap or leg wraps can't get the job done. Also, you can use duct tape to seal/wrap a hoof if necessary.

• Sharp scissors and/or knife. You may have to cut a halter or blanket off a horse

• Antibacterial soap such as Betadine or Chlorhexidine scrub and saline solution to clean minor cuts, abrasions or wounds. Do not leave soap in the wound. Flush thoroughly with saline prior to wrapping.

• Rubbing alcohol for disinfecting tools such as tweezers or thermometers. Clean your tools after you use them so they are ready for next time.

• Various sized syringes should be included in the kit.

• Wound wash and a triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin®. Once the wound is clean, apply ointment to decrease the chance of infection.

• Several quilted/padded wraps should be on hand to put under bandages for added absorption.

• Include various sized gauze squares and bandage rolls made out of cotton. There are equine leg bandages available at various farm supply stores and tack stores. Clean leg wraps can also be used for wrapping injured legs/knees.

• Cold packs are important to have on hand. Various size plastic bags work well in winter in cold climates. Add snow, you have a cold pack. In summer, keep ice in the fridge at the barn. Many prefer to simply use chemical cold packs.

• Unscented sanitary pads with vet wrap work well to dress cuts or deeper abrasions/wounds. The pads also work as an effective pressure pad when you're trying to stop bleeding.

• Splint materials are good to have in the kit. If you're not using a pre-fabricated kit that includes them, we've seen people use cut/trimmed PVC pipe.

• For hoof injuries, make sure you have a hoof pick, a shoe puller, Epsom salts and ointments specific to hoof wounds.

• Thermometer. Have a human or veterinary plastic thermometer on hand to take your horse's temperature along with some Vaseline® or other water-based lubricant to put on thermometer per use. Digital thermometers are easiest to use.

• Stethoscope. If you know what to listen for this can be helpful especially when listening for bowel sounds if colic is a concern. Ask your vet.

• Electrolytes. They are an effective treatment for shock and colic.

• A blanket or cooler. It may take up room, but it's nice to have in your kit - especially if the situation is more serious and shock is a concern.

• Phone numbers. Include the number of your primary and secondary vet inside the top cover of your kit. It's also a good idea to have the barn manager's numbers and even a client list with phone numbers in the kit.

• If your kit is big enough, it's also not a bad idea to have a large flannel shirt or something to put on over your clothes for when you're in a messy situation.

As always, let us know what you think by leaving a comment below or share your own thoughts and ideas, and ask questions about this topic by posting on the Emergency Kit for the Barn forum connected to this article.

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