HORSE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
 
Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Keep this information somewhere easy to access at the barn, in your trailer, and on your phone.
 
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
 

• Veterinarian

• Emergency Veterinarian

• Farrier

• Barn Owner or Manager

• Emergency Contact

• Equine Hospital or Referral Center

• Equine Transportation Service
   

KNOW YOUR HORSE'S BASELINE
 
Knowing what is typical for your horse makes it easier to recognize when something is wrong.
 

• Normal temperature

• Normal resting heart rate

• Normal respiratory rate

• Normal gum color and moisture

• Normal appetite and water intake

• Normal manure production

• Normal behavior and energy level
   

FIRST AID SUPPLIES
 

• Digital thermometer

• Stethoscope

• Disposable gloves

• Sterile gauze pads

• Non-stick wound pads

• Rolled gauze

• Self-adhering veterinary wrap

• Standing wraps

• Quilts or pillow wraps

• Clean towels

• Bandage scissors

• Saline solution

• Antiseptic wound cleanser

• Wound spray or ointment

• Hoof pick

• Duct tape

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Extra batteries

• Electrolytes

• Instant cold packs

• Clean bucket

 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KEEP AVAILABLE
 
 

• Horse's registered and barn name

• Age, breed and color

• Current medications and supplements

• Known allergies or sensitivities

• Relevant medical history

• Vaccination records

• Insurance information

• Veterinarian contact information

• Owner and emergency contact information

• Preferred equine hospital

• Transportation plan in case the horse must be hauled
   

IF SOMETHING IS WRONG
 

• Stay calm and move the horse to a safe area if it can be done safely.

• Call your veterinarian.

• Take the horse's temperature.

• Check heart rate and respiration.

• Check gum color and capillary refill time.

• Note appetite, water intake and manure production.

• Look for swelling, bleeding, wounds or signs of pain.

• Observe whether the horse is walking normally.

• Take photos or video if they may help your veterinarian.

• Follow your veterinarian's instructions before giving medication.
   

BEFORE AN EMERGENCY HAPPENS
 

• Know how to take your horse's vital signs.

• Know where your first aid kit is stored.

• Check supplies regularly and replace expired items.

• Keep your trailer accessible and road-ready.

• Make sure your horse will load safely.

• Keep emergency phone numbers saved in your phone.

• Know the closest equine hospital and how to get there.
   

A well-stocked kit is important. Knowing your horse and having a plan is even more valuable.
 
This checklist is intended as a general preparedness resource and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Contact your veterinarian whenever you are concerned about your horse.