HORSE owners should always be prepared in case of an emergency in winter. Having a properly stocked emergency first aid kit is a good place to start.

Your first aid kit should also include a list of emergency contact numbers for a veterinarian, farrier and anybody else who would be able to help in an emergency situation.

If you are in any way unsure as to the extent of emergency, seek advice first so that the situation doesn’t become any more complicated. You need to have the right people on standby to deal with an equine emergency, such as a horse caught in flood water. Phone for the emergency services where appropriate, if you have a number for a vet phone them also, they may be able to give advice over the phone.

The most important thing to remember in an emergency situation is to remain calm, especially when dealing with horses.

Shock and hypothermia are commonly associated with animals that have suffered a trauma and are distressed.

Symptoms of shock include:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Shaking and shivering
  • A weak pulse
  • Pale or blue mucous membranes
  • Extremities feel cold (e.g. ears)

    • If you suspect your horse is suffering from shock, you need to seek urgent veterinary help.

    Symptoms of hypothermia:

  • Low body temperature (normal body temperature for a horse is 37.5-38.5°C). A young foal may have a slightly higher temperature.
  • Impaired or abnormal heart function (normal pulse rate for an adult horse is approximately 28-44 beats per minute and 80-100 beats per minute for very young foals)
  • Impaired or abnormal respiratory function (normal respiration rate for a horse is approximately 10-24 breaths per minute in the adult horse and 20-40 breaths per minute in a young foal)
  • Weakness
  • Shivering
  • Unresponsive to touch
  • Cold extremities
  • Hypothermia is an emergency that requires aggressive and immediate medical attention, if you suspect a horse is suffering from hypothermia call a vet immediately.
  • Horse owners should also be aware of the symptoms associated with dehydration, as it is very common during winter. When horses are cold, they are less likely to eat and drink, which could potentially lead to colic. It is also common for water supplies to freeze over and for horses to be left without access to water.

    • Symptoms of dehydration would include:

  • A reduction in the amount of urine being produced (more obvious in stabled horses)
  • Very concentrated urine
  • Lethargy
  • Dry gums