Taking responsibility for the basic health care needs of your horses by using the knowledge of practical and herbal first aid has a great many benefits. Applying this knowledge will save you money, will accelerate healing time, will usually prevent complications and if you do need to call the vet you will know what to do while you are waiting.......but most importantly, it can save lives!

It is beyond the scope of this article to fully outline all the practical and herbal first aid information that you need to be equipped for most emergencies. However in my hand book for horse owners, The Practical Horse Herbal, there are complete instructions for practical and herbal first aid including all the items you need to make up a first aid kit to have on hand. The great bonus is that all the herbal components of this kit are human medicinal quality and can just as easily be used for the owners of the horses as well!

Here is a short version of some basics to go on with......

One of the first procedures you need to learn is how to read the VITAL SIGNS. These are - resting heart rate, temperature, respiration rate, gut sounds, gum colour and lymphatic check. To read them you will need a stethoscope, a thermometer, a stop watch and an observant attitude. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with your horse's usual resting heart rate, respiration rate and gut sounds so that you will not panic unneccesarily and will easily be able to tell if something is awry.

The two most common problems which need rapid attention are Colic and Injuries. COLIC can be life threatening or a mild attack may pass unnoticed with no problem. Symptoms include obvious discomfort, sweating, looking around at the gut, pawing, rolling, inability to pass faeces or frequently passing faeces. If colic is suspected immediately administer Rescue Remedy and lead the horse continuously so that it cannot lie down or roll, and immediately call your vet. Also syringe 60 mls strained and cooled Chamomile tea for its anti-spasmodic effect. Repeat the Rescue Remedy and Chamomile every half hour. Mild cases will usually respond quite quickly. A fresh green pick is often appealing and helpful for these horses as well.

A serious case of Colic is one time when the quick action of veterinary prescribed drugs is really useful. The causes of Colic are often unknown but if the cause is known or suspected it is helpful for your vet to know......there are different types of Colic, impaction and spasmodic for example, which require different veterinary treatment. Herbal treatment is extremely helpful for horses who have suffered a serious Colic attack and need help in full recovery, especially those horses which have had an operation. A good natural feeding and supplements program is the best prevention for Colic.

INJURIES range from minor cuts and abrasions to a more serious injury which requires veterinary attention such as stitching. The first thing to do is to STOP THE BLEEDING. This can be done using a towel or similar with pressure on the wound and concurrently applying a styptic to help staunch the flow. Yarrow is the herb which is particularly useful for this - a handful of fresh leaves will do, or better still apply a mixture of Calendula & Yarrow herbal extract diluted at about 15% extract in water (or straight if you are really in a hurry). Calendula is for its highly antiseptic properties. Once the bleeding has stopped it is possible to assess whether you can care for the wound yourself or whether it needs veterinary attention. Administer Rescue Remedy internally, and take some yourself as well if necessary!

At the very least keep Rescue Remedy on hand at all times, as it is applicable to any situation where shock, panic, trauma or stress of any kind is involved. The earlier it is given the better. This famous Bach flower remedy, which is a combination of 5 of the 38 essences, should also be used in conjunction with any veterinary treatment as there are no incompatibilities or contra-indications and because there is NO medical treatment for shock which is a major cause of loss of life. Early treatment of shock is also an excellent aid to quick recovery of any ailment or injury.

A good knowledge of practical and herbal first aid is very useful for the times when the vet may take a long time to get to you or an emergency occurs out of hours or when travelling with horses, and it is especially handy (essential, even!) for those people who live a long way from the nearest vet.

Herbal remedies in combination with practical first aid such as using ice for treatment of bruising, can be used for other common problems such as sprains, strains, bites, stings, scours, coughs, colds and so on.