What should be in your first aid kit?

We're starting to feel like we might be coming out of winter, and thinking about heading to more competitions, travelling more or just braving the elements! It's important to make sure we have everything ready for all eventualities, especially with horses!

With that in mind, have you checked your First Aid Kit recently? What should you have in it?

Our lovely Vet has created a handy checklist for you:

• Thermometer – if it is digital check the batteries are still working!
• Scissors
• Bandage selection – vetwrap, soffban, conforming bandage e.g. knit-firm and elastoplast
• Sterile dressings e.g. non-stick melonin
• Duct tape
• Cotton wool
• Sterile swabs
• Poultice
• Sterile saline
• Epsom Salts
• Wound gel e.g. Dermagel
• Disposable gloves
• Emergency contact details
• Antiseptic solution e.g. hibiscrub or iodine
• Petroleum Jelly e.g. Vaseline

Extra useful bits:

• Torch
• Clean bucket
• Hoof pick
• Hand gel
• Towel
• Ice packs
• Shoe removal kit (buffer, hammer, shoe puller, nail puller)
• Wire cutters
• Fly repellent e.g. Forget Flies Spray
• Twitch
• Spare headcollar and leadrope
• Tweezers

Keep your first aid kit stored in a clean waterproof box, with a secure lid, with a list of contents and emergency contact details on, ready for when you need it. Don’t forget to check it regularly and replace as bits are used or go out of date. It is sensible to have a first aid kit on the yard, and also one to take with you when you travel.