First aid kits for people are a dime a dozen, but finding a good one for horses is not easy.
Sandra Taylor always packed gauze and ointment to treat scratches and scrapes on trail rides with her horse, but when a cousin asked her what should be included in a good horse first aid kit, she didn’t know.
That inspired Taylor and her daughter, Kristen Cumming of Ponoka, Alta., to spend the next year researching and building the essential equine first aid kit.
Read Also
Canada’s plant hardiness zones receive update
The latest update to Canada’s plant hardiness zones and plant hardiness maps was released this summer.
“We wanted to meet a broad need and create something that would be immediate and provide useful items if you were away from home and needed a first aid kit,” said Taylor, of Camrose, Alta.
“When you’re away and can’t get home, what do you need to get your horse home safely?”
Depending on the size of the kit, items should include a stethoscope, instant cold packs, liniment, a thermometer, tweezers and an assortment of ointments, wipes, wound wash, gauze, pads and even duct tape.
It’s been five years since the duo began their Equi-First Aid Canada company and business has continued to grow through internet sales and at trade shows.
“It pays for the hay,” said Taylor, who keeps her Quarter Horse gelding at her daughter’s Delta Farm warmblood stable. “It allows us to play with the ponies.”
Taylor and Cumming have adjusted, changed and upgraded items depending on the latest equine first aid research or availability of product. They also depend on feedback from friends and clients.
Taylor has four boxes of items in her garage that they tried and rejected.
They took several stabs before settling on the durable bright orange barn and trailer kit.
The lid has a waterproof seal to prevent rain or water from ruining the contents and the orange was picked to make it quickly identifiable if someone was sent to the barn to find it.
Red plastic boxes were rejected because they’re often associated with human first aid kits.
The soft-sided kits are made with double-ended zippers, stretchy, heavy duty elastic to keep bottles and equipment in place and industrial grade nylon to give it a waterproof coating. Depending on the size, prices range from $95 to $195 for a fully stocked kit.
Taylor said their goal is to slowly expand the business. This year, the pair spent almost two weeks at Spruce Meadows, the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the Mane Event trade show promoting their product.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with how good it’s been,” said Taylor.
They hope to expand their customer base by attending equine trade shows in British Columbia and through expanded internet sales.
“It feels like a lot more pleasure than work.”
