Most riders know the situation: you arrive at the stable to ride and bring your horse in from the paddock, but something is wrong. The horse has injured itself … Whether in the stable, in the pasture or out on a trail ride, accidents and sudden illness can happen at any time. That is why it is important for horse owners to be familiar with basic first aid measures so that they can respond appropriately in such situations. In an emergency, every rider should be able to help. The Hanseklinik für Pferde offers courses that teach the basics of first aid for horses.
The basics of equine first aid include quickly assessing the animal's condition, treating wounds correctly, stabilizing injuries and recognizing potentially life-threatening situations. If the injury is only superficial, a visit to the vet or a clinic is not necessary in most cases. A well-stocked stable first aid kit is then sufficient for adequate wound care. The stable first aid kit should be put together carefully, taking into account the specific needs of each horse.
Acting correctly in such situations can not only reduce the animal's suffering but also save its life in an emergency. “Correct and timely first aid can make a huge difference to the course of the illness, whether for open wounds, penetrating foreign bodies, colic or choke,” says Jennifer Bormann, veterinarian at the Hanseklinik für Pferde.
Injuries in horses can cover a wide range, from superficial abrasions to deeper cuts or even fractures. In these moments, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly. An initial assessment of the injury is essential to decide whether immediate veterinary treatment is needed. For obviously serious injuries involving structures such as joints, tendons or bones, for very heavily bleeding wounds or for signs of shock, a vet should be contacted immediately. “A bleeding wound is not always an emergency right away. But there are also wounds that don't bleed at all and are an immediate emergency, for example open joints,” says Jennifer Bormann.
For the initial care of smaller wounds, it is important to clean and disinfect the wound carefully to prevent infection. Clean lukewarm water and a medical soap can help. Disposable gloves should always be worn to avoid contaminating the wound. The wound should then be covered with a sterile dressing to keep it clean and keep out further dirt.
With injuries such as a nail puncture, it always depends on where the foreign body is and which structures are affected. If, for example, the foreign body is being driven further into the wound as the horse walks, you should ideally document its entry point for the vet and try to remove it without causing further damage. Then apply a bandage to prevent further contamination. A pressure bandage can also be useful for heavy bleeding. If the object cannot penetrate any further, you can bandage it carefully without pressure and wait until you reach the clinic or the vet arrives.
To help horse owners build their skills in emergencies, the Hanseklinik für Pferde regularly holds first aid courses for horse owners and boarding stables. The courses teach not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, so that participants can act calmly and correctly in any situation. From applying a pressure bandage to correctly measuring temperature and respiration, participants learn and practice first aid measures hands-on and under professional supervision.
We kindly ask you to schedule appointments by phone. This way, we can plan the best treatment for your horse individually and directly.
+49 4282 - 5946 340Please note our separate visiting hours.
Please schedule your visit in advance. Allow approximately 1 hour, and kindly only touch your own horse.
Our clinic is available around the clock for emergencies.In case of an emergency, please call us immediately.
