In an online forum recently I asked horse people, veterinarians and technicians “What can your veterinarian teach you to make you better at offering first aid on scene for your horse?”  Their answers, hundreds of them, were completely different in scope plus expectations, and generated lively discussion. I collated their responses to provide the reader some insight.

NO STANDARD LEVEL OF EXPECTATION

To veterinarians, a “scene” is a very serious situation like entrapment  or trauma. However, to horse owners, anything with potential to injure their horse(s) was a genuine concern, across a wide variety of experience level.  Owners expressed interest in learning details – from triage, to correct TPRs, to giving first aid while waiting for the vet, to field euthanasia.  Moreover, they admitted if they didn’t get it from their vet, Dr. Google or a fellow horse owner provided the education