How many times has a situation come up where a horse needed treatment, using a basic supply, and you couldn’t find it’ Or simply didn’t realize it was a necessity’ Our list will help you replenish your supplies and stock the equipment you need to take care of your horses correctly. In fact, winter can be a great time to do this, especially if it’s crimping your riding time.
Start with a good shelf or cupboard that’s clean. Temperature extremes are also a consideration for some items, so you may want to purchase a small dorm-size refrigerator that’s used for nothing but medications and first-aid supplies.
Get a notebook for recording details of the horse’s condition, including normal temperatures, pulses, odd/normal behaviors, etc. Write down the names of your veterinarian, farrier, feed store, insurance company and horse owners, if you’re running a commercial stable. Include fire, police, wildlife control and emergency service numbers. We recommend you keep a duplicate of the list in your car in case of a fire, storm or loss of the barn list.
Keep a detailed feeding list in case someone else has to feed your horses in an emergency. Tie a pen onto the pad, and give it a specific spot on the shelf so it’s obvious if it’s missing.
Keep supplies that you don’t use often in a plastic self-closing bag, see-through plastic bin with a lid or other unit that will keep it clean. Place the plastic container away from a window or direct sunlight that could damage the contents. Tackle boxes or small hardware-storage units with lots of little drawers can be great for small items.
Bottom Line
You can’t be prepared for every scenario, but the more horses you have, the more likely you’ll run into problems. Many of these items have a long shelf life or will last until you need it if properly stored, like a cooler. Plus, if your horse has a known chronic health problem like tying-up, laminitis, heaves (COPD), or HYPP that may require urgent treatment, you should keep specific medications on hand. Talk with your veterinarian about what you may need, how to use it and in what amounts.
Also With This Article
”Basic Barn Supplies”
”Useful Prescription and Nonprescription Supplies”
