Essential Items for an Equine First Aid-Kit By Katherine Blocksdorf Katherine Blocksdorf Kathy Blocksdorf is an equine expert and writer with over three decades of experience in training and riding horses. She was raised caring for horses, rehabilitated rescue horses, shows her own horses, and rides long distance. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 01/16/26 Credit:  Harlequin129/Getty Images Key Takeaways Every stable should have a basic equine first-aid kit to manage injuries or illnesses until a veterinarian arrives.Essential items include bandages, a thermometer, scissors, antiseptic wound cleaners, and padding for leg wraps.Avoid administering medications without veterinary supervision, as they may mask symptoms critical for diagnosis. Every stable should have an equine first-aid kit, and if you attend events, bring along some first-aid items. Equine first-aid kits needn't be elaborate. Keep these emergency items in a sturdy box for unexpected horse injuries or illness. You don't need injectable or oral medications unless you're experienced in reading symptoms, as they may mask important signs your your veterinarian needs to diagnose a problem. Administer such medications only under veterinary supervision. These basic items should help you manage common issues and cope with injuries until the veterinarian arrives. 01 of 09 Self-Sticking Bandages Woman bandaging a horse's leg injury. Credit: STOCK4B/Getty Images Stretchy self-sticking bandages have many uses around the stable. In a first-aid situation, they can keep a dressing in place or support stable wraps. Brands like VetWrap and Co-Flex are common. There's little difference between those bought at the tack shop, and those at the pharmacy, so choose affordable options. 02 of 09 Mercury or Digital Thermometer Credit: rhinoneal/Getty Images A thermometer quickly indicates if your horse has an elevated temperature, suggesting a health issue needing attention. Many prefer digital over mercury thermometers, as they don't require reading glasses or a watch for accurate reading. Some models save the last reading if you forget to note it. A string and clip feature helps prevent the thermometer from being 'lost.' 03 of 09 Cutters Credit: Image Credit: Peter Dazeley / Getty Images A pair of sharp scissors is essential in a horse first aid kit. If you have wire fences there is a chance your horse could get entangled. Keep a pair of wire or bolt cutters handy. These can also be used to remove a very loose shoe. 04 of 09 Clean Stable Wraps Credit: Corbis/Getty Images Keep a clean set of leg wraps ready for emergencies. Have an extra set in your horse first-aid kit, distinct from those used for non-emergencies. Continue to 5 of 9 below 05 of 09 Gamgee, Gauze Diapers, Cottons or Other Padding Credit: Amazon You'll need something for padding under leg wraps or cut up for wound dressing such as: Gamgee clothDisposable diapers (although they are not breathable).Roll of cotton gauze bandageLeg cottons used under stable wraps work as well. The cottons must be kept clean so seal an extra set in a zip closure bag for your first aid kit. In fact, zip closure bags are very handy for keeping your horse's first aid kit organized. 06 of 09 Zinc Oxide Cream Credit:  Amazon A big, inexpensive tub of zinc oxide cream is handy to soothe and protect sunburned noses, help clear up grease heel, and protect and heal minor cuts and nicks. You can find zinc oxide creams in the baby care section of your drugstore. An effective by inexpensive one called Ilhes Paste can also be found alongside where baby diaper and rash creams are sold. 07 of 09 Salts Credit: Ruth Jenkinson/Getty Images Epsom salts are great for drawing out infection. Many people use good old salt water to wash out cuts and scrapes on both four legged and two legged family members. Both are inexpensive items you can buy at the grocery, pharmacy or bulk food store. 08 of 09 Antiseptic Wound Cleaner, Cream, or Ointment Credit: Robert Brook/Getty Images You'll find an antiseptic wound cleaner such as Betadine is useful for washing skin infections, cuts, and punctures. These injuries can be encouraged to heal by keeping the skin moist and clean. There is a wide variety of products available. You can choose from all natural products or products containing various medicinal and antibiotic ingredients. Continue to 9 of 9 below 09 of 09 Books Credit: Chris Ryan/Getty Images Many excellent veterinary first-aid books are available. Purchase one and read it before an emergency happens. Additionally, have a small notebook to track temperatures or note details for your vet. Keep both in your first-aid kit, with your vet's number on the covers. Also, keep their number near your phone. Explore more: Horses Riding & Equestrian Sports