Horse First Aid: Responding to Common Equine Emergencies.

Last updated: December 9, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

A horse’s well-being hinges on preparedness. Emergencies can escalate quickly, and knowing how to respond effectively can make the difference between a minor issue and a life-threatening situation. This guide equips you with essential horse first aid skills, covering common emergencies, preventive measures, and actionable tips.

Assessing Vital Signs: The First Step in Horse First Aid

Understanding your horse’s normal vital signs is foundational to recognizing early signs of illness or distress. Monitor the following:

• Temperature: The normal range is 99.5-101.5°F (37.5-38.6°C). Use a lubricated rectal thermometer to take accurate readings.
• Pulse: The average resting heart rate for an adult horse is 30-40 beats per minute. Check the pulse under the jawbone or inside the left front leg.
• Respiration: A horse typically takes 8-16 breaths per minute at rest. Observe the rise and fall of their flanks or nostrils.
• Mucous Membranes: Healthy gums should be pink and moist. Pale, bluish, or tacky gums may indicate a problem.

Pro Tip: Record your horse’s normal vital signs in a barn journal to spot changes quickly.

For more details on assessing vital signs, visit Merck Veterinary Manual.

Horse First Aid for Common Emergencies

1. Recognizing and Treating Colic in Horses

Colic, or abdominal pain, is one of the most common equine emergencies. Causes range from gas build-up to more severe issues like a twisted intestine.

Signs of Colic:

• Pawing at the ground
• Rolling or thrashing
• Sweating
• Lack of appetite
• Distended abdomen

Immediate Action:

• Remove food.
• Walk the horse to prevent rolling.
• Call your veterinarian immediately.

When my mare showed signs of colic, including pawing and lying down frequently, I immediately removed her feed and walked her until the vet arrived. This quick action prevented the condition from worsening.

Prevention:

• Implement regular deworming (learn more about deworming).
• Make gradual dietary changes.
• Ensure adequate turnout and consistent exercise.
• Ten Tips for Preventing Colic (AAEP)

2. How to Handle Fractures and Lacerations in Horses

Horses frequently suffer from fractures or cuts due to falls, kicks, or accidents with fencing.

Signs:

• Limping or favoring a limb
• Swelling or heat in the affected area
• Visible deformity or bleeding

Immediate Action:

• For fractures: Stabilize the limb with a padded splint and minimize movement.
• For lacerations: Apply direct pressure to control bleeding, clean with antiseptic, and bandage the wound.
• Call your vet promptly.
• Proud Flesh

Pro Tip: Keep sterile gauze, antiseptic, and wraps in your first aid kit.

I recently had a horse with some slight swelling in his cannon bone which I first thought was bucked shins, but I later learned it was caused by striking his leg against a gate. The vet advised me to give him two weeks of stall rest before turning him out in the pasture.

I did this, and he fully recovered after a month. If you suspect your horse has a fracture, you must call your vet as soon as possible. While waiting for the vet, you should keep the horse calm and in a safe area and avoid moving or handling the injured limb as much as possible.

3. Preventing and Managing Choke in Horses

Choke occurs when food or foreign material becomes lodged in the esophagus.

Signs:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Nasal discharge
• Coughing or gagging

Immediate Action:

• Remove food and water.
• Keep the horse calm.
• Call your vet immediately.

Preventive Measures:

• Feed soaked grain or use slow-feed hay nets to discourage gulping.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure proper mastication.

Pro Tip: Use soaked grain or slow-feed hay nets to prevent gulping.

4. Heat Stroke in Horses: Signs and Emergency Steps

Heat stroke occurs when a horse’s body temperature exceeds safe limits, often due to high temperatures or overexertion.

Signs:

• Elevated body temperature (>102°F)
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness or lethargy

Immediate Action:

• Hose the horse with cool water (not ice-cold).
• Move the horse to a shaded or ventilated area.
• Offer water and electrolytes.
• Contact your veterinarian.

Learn more about barn ventilation and cooling methods.

5. Dealing with Eye Injuries in Horses

Eye injuries can result from trauma, infection, or irritants.

Signs:

• Redness or swelling
• Discharge or cloudiness
• Squinting or sensitivity to light

Immediate Action:

• Prevent the horse from rubbing its eye by using a fly mask.
• Do not rinse the eye unless instructed by a vet.
• Call your veterinarian promptly.

For comprehensive guidelines, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

Here is a YouTube video that provides emergency advice from a veterinarian.

What to Include in a Horse First Aid Kit

Preparation is key. Your horse first aid kit should include:

• Thermometer
• Stethoscope
• Bandages and wraps
• Antiseptic solution and scrub
• Scissors and tweezers
• Flashlight
• Hoof pick
• Epinephrine (if prescribed by your vet)

Pro Tip: Check medication expiration dates and restock your first aid kit regularly. Download our free Horse Emergency Checklist to stay prepared for any situation.

Emergency Response Tips for Horse Owners

How to Stop Severe Bleeding in Horses

• Apply clean pressure bandages and layer more if needed without removing soaked layers.
• Keep the horse calm and call your vet immediately.

What to Do in Case of Respiratory Distress

• Move the horse to a well-ventilated area.
• Remove potential allergens or irritants.
• Contact your vet immediately for emergency care.

Steps for Managing a Cast or Downed Horse

• Use soft ropes to gently roll the horse away from the wall if it’s cast.
• Wait for help if unsure, as improper handling can cause injury to you or the horse.

My gelding, after rolling in fresh bedding, became cast against the stall wall. With the help of soft ropes, we gently rolled him to the center of the stall, preventing further strain.

Pro Tip: Gently roll a cast horse using soft ropes to prevent injury.

Recognizing and Managing Shock in Horses

• Symptoms include pale gums, rapid breathing, and a weak pulse.
• Keep the horse warm and calm while awaiting veterinary care.

FAQs About Horse Emergencies and First Aid

Equine Emergency Training: Preparing Your Barn Team

Emergencies with horses can escalate quickly, and having the right knowledge and training is invaluable. Educating yourself and your barn team on emergency protocols can save precious time and potentially your horse’s life.

Here’s how you can prepare:

• Attend Equine First Aid Workshops: Hands-on training provides practical skills for handling common emergencies like colic, lacerations, or fractures. Organizations like the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and Kentucky Equine Research (KER) frequently host workshops or webinars.
• Develop a Barn Emergency Plan: Create a clear plan detailing who to call (vet, farrier), where first aid kits are stored, and steps to take for specific emergencies.
• Practice Emergency Scenarios: Simulate situations like trailer loading during stress or handling a cast horse to ensure everyone knows their role and the necessary steps.
• Keep Emergency Contact Lists Updated: Ensure all team members have quick access to contact information for local vets, farriers, and equine hospitals.

Pro Tip: Attend equine first aid workshops for hands-on emergency training.

Preventive Measures for Horse Health and Safety

Taking proactive steps in your horse care routine can significantly reduce emergencies. Here’s how:

1. Regular Dental Checks
   Uneven teeth or sharp points can cause choking or chewing problems. Schedule dental exams with your veterinarian or equine dentist to ensure proper chewing and digestion.
2. Feed Management
   Soak dusty hay or grain to reduce respiratory issues and choking risks. Slow-feed hay nets prevent gulping.
   Example: Once, a horse of mine developed mild colic from eating dry grain too quickly. Switching to soaked grain and using a slow-feed hay net completely resolved the issue.
3. Hazard-Free Environment
   Inspect pastures and stalls regularly for sharp objects, uneven ground, or toxic plants. Ensuring a safe environment helps prevent injuries like cuts or fractures.
4. Hydration
   Always provide clean water. Add electrolytes during hot weather or after exercise to prevent dehydration, colic, and heat stroke.
5. Gradual Dietary Changes
   Introduce new feed slowly to avoid gastrointestinal distress. Combine this with regular turnout and structured exercise to promote overall health.

Pro Tip: Use slow-feed nets and fresh water buckets to prevent choking and dehydration.

Conclusion

Being prepared for emergencies is one of the most critical aspects of horse care. Over the years, I’ve faced various challenges with my horses, from colic to fractures. The lessons I’ve learned have reinforced the importance of quick action, a well-stocked first aid kit, and having a trusted veterinarian’s contact information readily available.

Download our free Horse Emergency Checklist to stay prepared, and subscribe for more expert tips to ensure your horse’s health and safety. Together, we can help our beloved horses thrive!