OklahomaHorses Magazine May 2021

18 OklahomaHorses • May/June 2021 Preplanning For Trail Riding Emergencies So Everyone Returns Home Safely By Dr. Kris Hiney Equine Extension Specialist | Oklahoma State University E xploring the wilds of Oklahoma with your equine partner is one of the joys of horse ownership. Horses allow us to experience nature so much more intimately than through a windshield or on a computer screen. But taking those trips requires some planning. When setting out for a trail ride, the level of planning will obviously depend on the extent of the adventure. But even a short trip close to home requires some forethought. Thinking about what can go wrong can inspire some preventative measures. First things first, assess whether you and your horse are ready. As a rider, are you fit and When the Unexpected Happens on the Trail… balanced enough in the saddle to handle the challenges that uneven terrain and unexpected events can present? Is your horse a trained and safe mount? Does he panic easily; will he ride in a group of horses calmly? Have you properly condi- tioned your horse to handle prolonged hours of riding? Think about the type of trail you are asking your horse to take and make sure it is appropriate for both of your skill levels. Separation FromYour Horse Even the most trusted mounts and skilled riders can sometimes part ways, so to speak, whether it is an unexpected spook or a trip by the horse. Always keep your cell phone on your body rather than tucking it away in a saddle bag. Be sure it’s charged or bring a stand-alone charger with you. There are a number of small bag options designed for the rider. Consider getting your horse microchipped as well just in case you wind up seeing fleeing hooves head over the horizon. A whistle or even an air horn to signal for help may be needed if you are far from other people. Broken Tack Inspection and repair of worn items should always be done before you leave the barn or trailer. Having backup items can also come in handy. Consider packing a lightweight rope halter and lead rope as well as some leather “strings” like the kind seen on many western saddles. Some baling twine might be a great idea to bring along as well. A multi-purpose tool (like a Leatherman) can help with quick repairs. It may also be handy to remove thorns or cactus spines if riding in hostile terrain. Going out for a longer ride? If you are riding for a longer distance or are striking out in un- familiar territory, your planning must increase. You should plan on more supplies and add on saddle bags. Basic First Aid There are a few key items that can help you address minor wounds. Saline solution can be used to flush eyes or smaller wounds. Nonstick pads, gauze rolls and self-adhesive bandages can be used to dress minor wounds. Nonsteroidal antibiotic ointment can be used on a wound until further veterinary care can be obtained. Wound Care Flush the wound and remove any debris. You can use your saline solution or bring some salt, which can be added to water to create a saline solution (clean water only). Apply a light dressing to the wound with your bandaging materials. If the wound is bleeding more severely, apply a pressure bandage to staunch blood flow. Do not remove the bandage as it will remove the clotted blood and reinitiate bleeding. Horses can lose a substantial amount of blood (10%) before it becomes an emergency.