When a horse colics at midnight or a stall injury happens on a holiday weekend, you need supplies ready, not scattered across the tack room. A properly stocked emergency vet kit lets you stabilize your horse and provide critical first aid while waiting for professional help. This guide covers the essential items every barn should keep on hand, organized by category, so you can act fast when minutes matter.
Which of the following is a normal resting heart rate for an adult horse?
Select one answer.
What to include in your barn emergency vet kit
Start with a durable, clearly labeled container that is easy to grab. Many barn managers use airtight plastic totes, toolboxes, or dedicated medical bags. Keep your kit in a dry, accessible location and tell everyone who works with your horses where it is stored. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends that horse owners maintain a first-aid kit for immediate response while waiting for professional care (source: nasc.cc).
Basic equipment and tools
- Digital rectal thermometer (normal adult horse temperature: 98.0–100.8°F)
- Stethoscope (normal heart rate: 28–44 bpm; respiratory rate: 12–18 breaths per minute)
- Bandage scissors and a pair of small sharp scissors
- Tweezers and nail clippers
- Hoof pick and duct tape (useful for hoof injuries)
- Strong flashlight with backup batteries
- Disposable gloves (latex or nitrile)
Bandaging and wound care supplies
- Self-sticking bandages such as Vetwrap
- Medical adhesive tape (e.g., Elasticon)
- Gauze squares (3x3 and 4x4 inches) and gauze rolls
- Non-stick wound dressings
- Sterile cotton roll and cotton balls
- Instant cold packs
- Polo wraps and quilted cotton wraps
Antiseptics and topical treatments
- Povidone-iodine (Betadine) or chlorhexidine (Nolvasan) scrub
- Saline solution for rinsing wounds
- Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin)
- Petroleum jelly (for thermometer lubrication)
- Epsom salts
- Alcohol swabs and rubbing alcohol
Medications (consult your veterinarian first)
Always check with your veterinarian about which medications are appropriate for your horse and how to store them. Some require refrigeration. Common barn kit medications include:
- Phenylbutazone (Bute) paste or powder (anti-inflammatory)
- Flunixin meglumine (Banamine) paste or injectable (pain relief and anti-inflammatory)
- Ophthalmic ointment (e.g., Neo-Poly-Bac) for eye injuries
- Dormosedan gel (sedative, by prescription only)
Emergency documentation
- Laminated card with your contact info, primary veterinarian, and after-hours emergency clinic numbers
- Your farrier’s contact information
- Copies of Coggins test and vaccination records
- Insurance information
- Small notebook and pen for recording vitals and instructions from the vet
Storage and maintenance tips
- Check expiration dates on medications and supplies every three months.
- Store medications according to label instructions—some need refrigeration.
- Keep a separate, smaller kit in your trailer for emergencies on the road.
- Consider a human first-aid kit nearby for barn workers.
Quiz: Test your emergency kit knowledge
Which of the following is a normal resting heart rate for an adult horse?
- 28–44 beats per minute
- 50–70 beats per minute
- 12–18 beats per minute
How the Featured Expert Can Help
Randi Thompson, founder of the Equine Safety and Success Network (ESSN), brings over 45 years of equine industry experience to help barn owners and operators strengthen their safety protocols. Through the Equine Safety and Success Guide (ESSG), she provides practical guidance on risk management, operational protocols, and emergency preparedness. Visit Randi Thompson Live to learn how her consulting services can help you build a safer barn environment.