Preparing for an equine emergency: a horse owner's essential guide
Emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Whether it's a sudden case of colic, a serious injury in the field, or an unexpected accident while out riding, being prepared before an emergency occurs can help you stay calm, act quickly, and give your horse the very best chance of a positive outcome.
At Starling Equine Vets, we know that no horse owner wants to imagine facing a veterinary emergency. However, spending a little time preparing now can make a significant difference when every minute counts.
Please remember: If you believe your horse is experiencing a veterinary emergency, contact your vet immediately using their emergency telephone number – for reference, Starling Equine’s emergency number is 01473 970393. Your veterinary team should always be your first point of contact.
Why preparation matters
In an emergency, adrenaline can make it difficult to think clearly. Having important information, equipment and plans already in place allows you to focus on your horse while helping your vet provide prompt and effective treatment.
From having your horse's passport ready to knowing your insurance cover, these simple steps can remove unnecessary delays during what is often a stressful situation.
Your Emergency Preparedness Checklist
1. Keep important contact details readily available
Create a laminated emergency contact sheet that includes:
Your own contact details
Starling Equine Vets
Your farrier
Your usual horse transporter
An alternative out-of-hours transporter
Your yard owner or manager
Your nominated emergency contact or responsible person
Your next of kin
If your horse is kept on a livery yard, display this information clearly outside the stable. If your horse lives in a remote field, consider placing emergency contact information somewhere visible in case a passer-by discovers your horse injured or unwell.
2. Make medical information easy to find
Your vet may need to administer medication quickly.
If your horse has ever experienced an adverse reaction to a medication, ensure this information is clearly recorded and easily accessible.
Likewise, if your horse has behavioural traits that could affect safe handling - such as biting, kicking or being particularly anxious - make sure anyone attending your horse is aware.
3. Know exactly where your horse is
Good communication can save valuable time.
Always ensure:
Your mobile phone is charged.
You have sufficient signal and credit if applicable.
You know the postcode for your yard.
Even better, save the What3Words location for every stable and field your horse uses.
Sharing an accurate location helps your veterinary team reach you as quickly as possible, especially when horses are kept on large farms or in remote grazing.
4. Be ready to transport your horse
Some emergency cases require referral to an equine hospital.
If you own a horsebox or trailer:
Check it is roadworthy.
Ensure it is legally maintained.
Keep enough fuel available for an emergency journey.
If you rely on external transport, keep the contact details of an experienced transporter who operates outside normal working hours.
Most importantly, make sure your horse's passport is stored somewhere safe but easily accessible, as it must accompany your horse when travelling.
5. Understand your insurance cover
Many owners don't realise the limitations of their policy until they need it.
Take time to understand:
What your horse is insured for.
The insured value.
Any exclusions.
Your excess.
Your policy number.
For example, a horse previously treated for colic may no longer be covered for colic surgery, even if no previous claim was submitted.
It is also important to understand that many insurance policies do not routinely cover euthanasia (mortality) claims where a condition may have been treatable.
Knowing your cover in advance can help you make informed decisions during an already emotional situation.
6. Keep an equine first aid kit fully stocked
Every horse owner should have a well-maintained first aid kit ready to use.
Include essentials such as:
Clean dressings
Bandages
Saline solution
Disposable gloves
Scissors
Thermometer
Knowing your horse's normal temperature can also provide valuable information for your vet.
If your horse suffers a wound, gently clean and cover it where appropriate while waiting for veterinary advice.
Please avoid using wound powders or coloured sprays, as these can make it much more difficult for your vet to properly assess the injury.
7. Protect yourself too
Even the calmest horse may react unpredictably when frightened or in pain.
Always wear suitable personal protective equipment, including:
Sturdy footwear
Gloves where appropriate
A riding hat when handling an injured horse if there is any risk of being struck
Keeping yourself safe means you're better able to help your horse.
8. Check your horse's identification
It is a legal requirement for horses to be microchipped and for the registered contact details to remain up to date.
If your horse escapes or is found injured away from home, a microchip allows them to be identified quickly.
Many owners also choose to attach small identification tags with their phone number to turnout rugs or saddles for additional peace of mind.
9. Nominate a responsible decision-maker
If you're away on holiday or unable to attend your horse, make sure someone knows exactly what authority they have.
Discuss in advance:
Whether they can authorise hospital referral.
Whether they can consent to surgery.
What financial limits apply.
How to contact you.
What your wishes would be if difficult decisions needed to be made.
Ensure your yard owner also knows who this responsible person is and how they can be reached.
Think about difficult decisions before an emergency happens
Some of the hardest decisions horse owners ever make happen during moments of crisis.
Having honest conversations with yourself beforehand can remove some of the pressure if those situations arise.
Consider questions such as:
Would you choose life-saving surgery if your horse developed severe colic?
Would your decision change if your horse could no longer be ridden afterwards?
Would your facilities allow for months of rehabilitation and box rest?
Are you financially prepared for referral treatment?
What quality of life would be acceptable for your individual horse?
There are no right or wrong answers.
Every horse, owner and situation is different. However, thinking these scenarios through before emotions are running high can help ensure any decisions reflect what is genuinely best for both you and your horse.
Download your emergency care plan
The British Horse Society has produced an excellent Emergency Decision Making Plan that horse owners can complete and keep with their horse's records.
We highly recommend printing a copy and discussing it with everyone involved in your horse's care.
Final thoughts
We all hope we'll never need an emergency plan, but preparation is one of the greatest gifts you can give both yourself and your horse.
A few simple checks today could save valuable time tomorrow - and help your veterinary team provide the fastest, safest and most effective care possible.
If you have any questions about preparing for an emergency, creating an equine first aid kit, or would like advice specific to your horse, the team at Starling Equine Vets is always happy to help.
Quick Emergency Preparedness Checklist
✓ Emergency contact sheet laminated and displayed
✓ Vet, farrier and transporter numbers saved
✓ What3Words location recorded
✓ Horse passport easy to find
✓ Insurance policy and excess understood
✓ Equine first aid kit stocked
✓ Thermometer available and normal temperature known
✓ Horsebox or trailer roadworthy and fuelled
✓ Microchip details up to date
✓ Identification tags on rugs or tack
✓ Responsible emergency contact nominated
✓ Family and yard know your wishes regarding surgery and emergency care
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact Starling Equine Vets immediately using our emergency telephone number. Follow the advice of your veterinary team while keeping yourself and your horse as safe as possible.
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Yes. A well-stocked equine first aid kit allows you to provide basic wound protection and gather useful information, such as your horse's temperature, while waiting for your vet.
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No. These products can make wounds much harder for your vet to assess accurately. Instead, gently clean the area where appropriate and follow your vet's advice.
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If your horse needs transporting to an equine hospital, the passport must travel with them. Keeping it somewhere easy to access can avoid unnecessary delays.
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Making decisions about surgery, referral or long-term care during an emergency can be incredibly emotional. Thinking about these scenarios beforehand allows you to make decisions that best reflect your horse's welfare and your own circumstances.