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FIRST AID FOR HORSES

When it comes to keeping horses safe and sound, professional riders not only know how a thing or two about riding, but with a yard full of horses, they also need to know what to do in an equine emergency!

Top show rider and producer Lynn Russell is re-known for her expertise for producing show horses at top level and when it comes to even the smallest lump, bump or cut on a show horse, you need to act swiftly! We caught up with Lynn to ask her a few first aid related questions!

Do you have an equine first aid kit at the yard?

“Yes of course, you never know when you are going to need it and it’s important to have everything to hand, in case have to take immediate action whilst waiting for the vet. Our kit consists of medical bandages, cotton wool, disposable gloves, poultices and vet wrap and surgical products that are designed to cleanse, treat and prevent infection of minor abrasions and injuries – which tends to happen a lot with horses. Always keep a well stocked medical kit in the lorry as well for emergencies on the road and at shows!!”

Have you ever had any major emergencies at home, which you have had to deal with?
“I would only ever attempt to deal with minor cuts, nicks and knocks – I leave the rest to the vet”

What about on the road or at a show?
“Again, I may have experience with horses, but I am not a vet, so I would always call the show vet if I was concerned about one of my horses”


With so many horses on the yard, what is the most common injury that you see and how do you deal with it?
“Minor cut and abrasions are probably the most common. The most important thing with minor cuts is to ensure that you clean them thoroughly and I like to use a surgical spray or gel to protect. “

Which accident do you see a lot, which could be easily diverted?
“Horses getting caught up in fencing. You see some really nasty accidents and they could so easily be prevented by people taking a little care and regularly checking all field fencing”

With hard ground becoming more and more common during the summer months, how do you keep your horses show legs protected against wind-galls and worse?
“Look after your horses’ legs and choose your competitions wisely –do you need to compete at every show, every weekend with your horse? I make sure I bandage my horses’ legs during the warm-up and always check my horse’s legs after exercise, to keep an eye out for any changes, lumps and bumps – this way I can spot any potiental problems before they happen. I find that massaging the horses legs after hard work with a product designed for such purpose, also helps keep them in tip top condition”

Best piece of advice?
“If in doubt –always call your vet – never leave your horses’ welfare to chance”

THE LYNN RUSSELL COLLECTION from Net-Tex is available nationwide.


 


This article has been kindly provided by Net-Tex, For further information or advice, please visit www.net-tex.co.uk, email helpline@net-tex.co.uk, telephone 01474 813999 or write to Net-Tex Industries Ltd, Head Office, Priestwood, Harvel, Meopham, Kent DA13 0DA United Kingdom