The Importance of First Aid

Hi All!

I wanted to talk a little bit today about the importance of first aid for horses.  I feel like there seems to be a little bit of confusion as to what this first aid really means.  

The definition of first aid according to Equi-Health Canada is "the first available treatment while waiting for a vet to arrive".  

First aid is important for a number of reasons.  First and foremost, prompt and properly administered first aid can alleviate a horse's suffering.  There is no to equine first aid than cuts and bumps.  Knowing the early signs and symptoms of ailments such as colic, choke, or laminitis can save your horse from having to endure unnecessary discomfort and stress.

First aid can then help to preserve your horse's life.  As with many things, the sooner you act the easier it is to keep them under control! A quick response to an emergency situation like a bad puncture wound or colic might just e enough to save the situation from rapidly turning from bad to worse.  

Let's look at colic for instance... Colic is said to be the #1 killer of horses.  Unless you have X-ray vision and can see what is really going on inside your horse, you can't tell what kind of colic it is.  That is why if you suspect colic, call your vet immediately!!! 

Knowing proper first aid can actually make your vet's job easier.  Knowing how to handle different scenarios can help to reduce the risk of complications.  This brings me to my final point.  By helping to reduce the risk of potential complications, you are actually prolonging your horse's life! 

Now, I am not saying that bad things can't happen if you know first aid.  You can have the most strict safety rules and well managed facility and still have an accident.  What I am saying is that by knowing proper first aid, you really can be the difference between a bad accident and a tragedy.  

What will your outcome be? Will you be ready?

To discuss first aid training in Manitoba, contact Chelsey Westerbeek at lilyridgeriding@gmail.com or check out our website at www.lilyridgeriding.vpweb.ca for a list of upcoming courses across Manitoba.