Indiana Fox Trotter Association Mar/Apr Newsletter Issue 4, Volume 8 March 2016 HOOSIER FAIR SPECIAL EDITION

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT We also have rides scheduled for Potato Creek on June 4 March 2016 and 5, Brown County on September 23 thru 25, and O’Bannon Woods on October 1 and 2. More rides may be By John Heldt added at a later date. Watch the website and newsletter for 2016 BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO IFTA more information.

The year 2016 is off to a great start with many Our final challenge is to have good participation at the IFTA opportunities for the Indiana Fox Trotters Association. trail rides this year. These rides give us the opportunity to We have several challenges ahead of us. The first get to know other members as well as enjoy these great challenge is to increase our membership. It has . It is also an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of decreased over the last several years. Currently, there nature that God has given us. are only 20 families in the IFTA. One of my goals is to double this membership number within the next 12 I challenge each and every one of you to get involved!! months. If each family brings in at least one new Please try to attend at least one of these planned events. member, we will meet our goal. Please pass the word! John Heldt Our second challenge is to have a successful Hoosier President Horse Fair where we can promote the Fox Indiana Fox Trotters Association Trotting Horse. This is our opportunity to get the word out regarding this great breed. We will have lots of visibility at this event. Let's give it our best effort! STALLION FOR HOOSIER HORSE FAIR MILLER TIME Another challenge is to provide opportunities to gain knowledge and information about the Missouri Fox We are very lucky to again have Billie Jean and Buck Trotting Horse. We can do this by further enhancing our Thompson offer to show their stallion, Miller Time. Miller website www.indianafoxtrotters.com. We can also gain Time (“Miller”) has been a part of Thompson Stables since a knowledge by attending clinics about the breed. We will weanling and all his training has been done by Buck. He has be hosting an all gaited clinic presented by Buck a great disposition. He has been ridden by ladies and Thompson, a well-known Missouri Fox Trotter trainer, on children and handles a busy barn full of people, kids, horses July 15 and 16 at Crown Haven Arena in Russiaville, and dogs without being nervous. He has even been used as Indiana. Everyone is welcome. See the article on this a pony horse with young foals. He loves to trail ride and clinic for additional information in this newsletter. Please crosses creeks, logs and other obstacles. He is at home in plan to attend. the show ring as well as in the woods just riding for pleasure. He has produced some very nice foals and is For additional fun this year please plan to attend one of standing at stud for $400.00 live foal guarantee. Stop by our club hosted trail rides. Our first ride will be May 13 Thompson Stables anytime they would love to show you thru 15 at Midwest Trail Ride. We will be having trail their horses and facilities. rides each day and a pitch-in dinner and a great campfire each evening. Everyone is welcome. See more information in this newsletter. Stop by their booth on Stallion Row to introduce yourself and thank them for helping us out. They will be showing Friday 3-4 pm; Saturday 11-12 and Sunday 3-4pm in the West Pavilion.

The black horse “Amber’s Little Angel” is a four-year-old mare owned by John Heldt and ridden by Billy Jean Thompson. Angel is another young mare that was raised and trained for trail riding. She can be shown in either English or Western tack. Angel has covered many, many miles of trails at many different locations including the Black Hills of South Dakota. At 25 miles per day, her stamina is very strong, She will not disappoint her rider. Her young trail “career” is only going to excel. She has a great personality and she loves people. Angel is a quick learner and works hard to please her rider.

HOOSIER HORSE FAIR

BREED DEMO HORSES

John Heldt has offered to work tirelessly again this year to get his horses ready for the breed demonstration. You can watch him and BillieJean Thompson ride and cheer them on Friday between 12:30 and 2:00, Saturday between 1-2:30 and Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 in the Blue Ribbon Arena.

The red roan horse is “Hank’s Scarlet Ruby H” a four-year- old mare owned and ridden by John Heldt. John has raised and trained Missouri Fox Trotters for many years. “Ruby” is a trail horse who has logged literally thousands of miles negotiating a variety of terrain from Indiana forests to the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. She is sure footed and will take care of her rider. This type of horse will perform her gaits with a minimum of wasted motion and have the endurance to cover many miles in a day. Ruby’s personality is summed up by her owner: “She is so lovable and loves you back!”

HOOSIER HORSE FAIR ALL GAITED CLINIC July 16-17, 2016 We will be setting up the booth on Thursday morning and taking it down on Sunday afternoon and sure could use The club will be hosting an all gaited horse clinic on Saturday lots of help. We will also need members to staff the and Sunday, July 16-17 at Crown Haven Arena in Russiaville, booth and help promote the breed and sell our horseshoe which is west of Kokomo. Buck Thompson, who is riding the art. This year will we have decorated horseshoes from stallion representing the Missouri Fox Trotting breed at Leslie White and horseshoe hearts from Shirley. Come by Hoosier Horse Fair will also be our clinician on Saturday. and pick out your favorite and help support the club. These two days will be packed full of fun and learning activities so you won’t want to miss it. Check the website for a registration form and get your reservations in early.

Cost for MFTHBA and IFTA members will be $100, and non- members will be $125 for the weekend. There is camping with electric sites. You may need to bring additional extension cords. There are stalls available. We can arrive Friday night. Saturday night there will be a pitch in dinner.

Check out the flyer at the end of this newsletter for additional information and cost. They have a large indoor 2016 TRAIL RIDES arena so we won't need to worry about that hot July sun, or if Mother Nature is having an off day - rain. Here’s a list of the trail rides for 2016:

Midwest - May 14-15 - Host John Heldt. The club has a block of sights from 89-73. MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY MEETING Potato Creek - June 4-5 - Host Kathy & Eric Shafer Indiana Fox Trotter Minutes Brown County - Sept 24-25 - Host John Heldt. February 20, 2016 O’Bannon Woods - Oct 1-2 - Host John Heldt. York Hills - Day Ride - Host Lori Miller TBD. PRESENT: John Heldt, Shirley Evans, Sandy Fox, Kathy and Tippecanoe, Wild Cat Creek and Salamonie are tabled at Eric Shafer, Mike Smith. this time unless someone would like to organize the ride. 1. Call to order by Pres. John Heldt at 11:17. 2. Minutes were read by secretary Kathy Shafer, Eric 2016 CLUB OFFICERS motioned to approve and Sandy seconded. For more information about our club please feel free to 3. Treasurers report: by Sandy Fox: We had $477.65 in contact any of our officers. expenses. and our balance is $2880.98. Sandy asked about Jill Uselton suggestion for donations to John Heldt, President Dave Martin, Vice Pres for Therapeion Therapeutic Riding Center. Eric 812-583-4646 317-402-4450 motioned for a $300.00 donation, Shirley approved [email protected] [email protected] and all agreed. Sandy has been trying to reach the Indiana Horse council due to the check sent to Kathy Shafer, Secretary Sandy Fox, Treasurer them has not been cashed. 574-453-7101 574-262-8139 4. Confirmations of officers per John who are [email protected] [email protected] IFTA members paid up and which members are paid up for the MFTHBA. All officers have to be NEWS & ARTICLES members of both. Present directors are Shirley We would love to hear what you’ve been doing with your Evans at large: then the ones that were voted in Fox Trotter; rides, shows, hanging out and having fun. in January. Directors that stayed are Leslie White- Please send articles and pictures to south, Cassidy Martin-central and Lori Miller- [email protected] north. John will send out emails to officers to remind them of their status Happy trails to all. 5. We are trying to reach our goal of 20 MFTHBA Horse Trailer For Sale members. Sandy will send out emails again to 4 Star 4 horse members to remind them to renew their All Aluminum Custom Oak Interior in 2001 membership. 17 ft short wall 34 ft on the floor 6. Shirley presented to the club about doing a 3 year Dinette and sofa, Mid-tack $28,000 membership discount for IFTA members. After a Home Phone: 812-275-0209 discussion by the members at the meeting there Cell Phone: 812-583-4646 was a motion to have a 3 year membership for E-mail: [email protected] $50.00 or yearly for $20 which is the present amount. Shirley made the motion and Eric seconded it. All were in favor. 7. Hoosier horse fair is April 1,2,3. The club will have a booth, demo horses and a stallion to present." Miller Time" will be our stallion. John will have 2 horses there for the demo: Angel and Misty. Sandy will send in the information on the horses to HHF. Leslie White is washing the curtains for the booth. John was getting repairs done on the curtains. Set up will be Thursday and John will take everything up there. There was a discussion on what expenses we pay for the stallion. Our club pays his entry fee and MFTHBA helps out with that. On Thursday we need volunteers to help with set up and on Sunday to FOR SALE tear down. Fund raisers: Eric brought up about having a raffle with Horse shoe art. It was quickly REGISTERED MISSOURI FOXTROTTER nixed D/T the gambling laws and having to have the prize delivered. Horseshoe art: John is to Annie is a very attractive 9 year old mare with a beautiful bring down the display and the art. Shirley will smoky black color. She is 15.1 hands tall and is energetic and decorate some hearts. We will sell the art for a has a smooth natural gait. fund raiser. 8. Clinic: the clinic will be July 16-17 at Crown Annie has been ridden on a wide variety of trails, from Haven, Kathy is confirming the location. Buck wooded areas to hilly country sides. She has had John Lyon’s and Billi Jean Thompson will be our clinicians. We professional training. She also participated in the breed will have a 2 day clinic. A flyer will be made with demo at the Hoosier Horse Fair in Indianapolis. She likes to schedule and rates. The clinic will be $125 for be around non-members and $100 for members. people and 9. Trail rides: No change has very 10. No new business. curious 11. Round robin: There was a discussion on the horse personality. shoe art. 12. Next meeting March 20, at 2 PM, new date and I am asking time! Snacks only. $2,000 for 13. Meeting adjourned at 12:37 her. Please call Sandy Fox Kathy Shafer at 574-606- Secretary 6002 for details, and to see her. She is located in Elkhart in northern Indiana. Horses for Sale BREED INFORMATION Registered Missouri Fox Trotters The Missouri Fox Trotter is a from the state of Heldt‘s Foxtrotters Missouri in the United States. It was developed in the John and Patty Heldt Ozark Mountains by settlers in the early 19th century, and 300 The Woods quickly developed into a gaited breed appreciated for its Bedford, IN 47421 abilities, stamina and smooth gaits. It performs Home Phone: 812-275-0209 an known as the "fox ", a four-beat broken Cell Phone: 812-583-4646 diagonal gait in which the front foot of the diagonal pair E-mail: [email protected] lands before the hind, eliminating the moment of suspension and increasing smoothness. The main breed Cloud’s Mystical Wizard H. registry was begun in 1948 and as of 2012 registers almost “Misty” 100,000 horses. A European registry was begun in 1992, Registered Missouri Fox Trotter, Beautiful Black Mare and as of 2009 recognizes around 600 Fox Trotters living in 4 year-old 15.0 hands Europe. In 2006, a smaller registry, focused on the Trailer loads Shoes Misty has been trail ridden preservation of the original, historic type, was begun in the Very attentive Great trail horse Very laid back United States. The Fox Trotter is a mid-sized, muscular Gentle Likes to please her rider breed, used mainly for trail riding and ranch work. Leads Likes people Great personality Great confirmation! Breed characteristics $3,500 Missouri Fox Trotters stand 14 to 16 hands high, and weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds. Begun in 2004, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association also maintains a separate registry for fox trotting ponies standing between 11 and 14 hands (44 and 56 inches). Fox Trotters may be any solid color or pinto. White facial and leg markings are common. The facial profile is straight, set upon a neck of medium length than ends in pronounced withers. The breed is muscular, with sloped shoulders, a short back and sturdy legs.

The Missouri Fox Trotter performs an ambling gait known as the "fox trot", which replaces the trot seen in many other breeds. The fox trot is a four-beat broken diagonal gait in which the front foot of the diagonal pair lands before the hind, eliminating the moment of suspension and giving a smooth, sure-footed ride. The gait is sometimes described as having the horse walk with the front feet and trot with the back. In a fox trot, the horse must keep one front foot on the ground at all times and display a sliding motion with the hind legs. The fox trot and the regular trot are both at a speed between a walk and a canter or gallop; ambling gaits are four-beat gaits, whereas the trot is a two-beat gait. The extra footfalls provide additional smoothness to a rider because the horse always has at least one foot on the ground. This minimizes movement of the horse's topline and removes the bounce of a two-beat gait, caused by a moment of suspension followed by the jolt of two feet hitting the ground as the horse shifts from one pair of legs to the other. The value of an intermediate speed is that the horse conserves energy. More than thirty horse breeds are "gaited," able to perform a four-beat ambling gait; some can also trot. A Missouri Fox Trotter, with rider, can maintain a speed of 5 to 8 miles per hour while using the fox trot, develop horses that more closely resemble the original Fox and can cover short distances at up to 10 miles per hour. Trotter type. In comparison, the average medium trot speed is 6 to 8 miles per hour. Uses Missouri Fox Trotters are used extensively by trail riders, History who appreciate their gaits, stamina and weight-carrying The Missouri Fox Trotter was developed from equine abilities. They are also used in handicapped riding stock, including gaited horses, brought to Missouri by programs, and their smooth gait has proven useful for settlers from , and . Breeds riders with minor physical disabilities. Crosses between Fox that contributed to the Fox Trotter included the Arabian, Trotter mares and jacks are often made, creating Morgan, , with the fox trot gait that are used to carry hunters and . By the time of Missouri's statehood and trail riders, especially in the western United States. in 1821, the horses of the state were known for their unique gait, which was useful in the rocky terrain of the The US Forest Service also employs Fox Trotters for their Ozark Mountains. The breed became popular with speed, stamina and gait, and members of the breed were cattlemen for their smooth gaits and ability to work with used to make the first horse-back descent of the north rim cattle. In 1948, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed of the Grand Canyon. Association (MFTHBA) was founded in Ava, Missouri, with an open stud book that registered all horses with the fox GETTING YOUR TRAILER trot gait and other specified physical characteristics. The first Fox Trotters were exported to Europe in the 1950s, READY FOR SPRING when the Queen of England imported several - With warm weather just around the corner and we’re all colored horses. In 1982, the stud book was closed, getting the riding bug doesn’t forget to make sure your allowing only horses from registered parents to be trailer is ready to go. Here are some tips for a safe season. entered. The Fox Trotter became the official state horse of Missouri in 2002. Annual Maintenance. Take your trailer in before Spring for a safety check and make sure you have a good set of tires.

Missouri Fox Trotters are seen throughout the United Lighting. It’s very important to see and be seen at all times. States, as well as in Canada and several European Upgrading your taillights and marker lights will make your countries, and as of 2012 the MFTHBA had registered trailer safer. Cargo lights inside the trailer will not only help over 97,000 horses and counts over 8,000 current you see inside to check on your horse, but will make it easier members. for your horse and maybe make him load easier.

In 1992, the European Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Rubber Floor Mats. Thicker heavier floor mats make the Association (EMFTHA) was formed as the Fox Trotter ride more comfortable for your horse, absorb more shock association for Europe and an affiliate of the MFTHBA. and can reduce fatigue for horses trailered long distances. The first European Championship Show for the breed Whether you can use rubber floor mats will depend on your took place in 1996, and in 2010 the EMFTHA and the Free trailers model and age. They should boost your trailer’s University of Berlin began working together to start a resale value too. European stud book for the breed. As of 2009 there were approximately 600 Missouri Fox Trotters in Europe, Cosmetics. Sandpaper smoothes out rusty patches on steel with around 350 of these living in Germany. trailers and prepares them for a layer of paint. Aluminum trailers don’t rust, they oxidize. You can purchase a wash In 2006, a new registry, the Foundation Foxtrotter that removes the oxidation and restores the shine. When Heritage Association (FFHA), was formed with a goal of people are looking for a used trailer, they want one that preserving and promoting the original heritage type of looks nice. Fox Trotter that was seen in the first 20 years of the MFTHBA registry, in large part through reducing the Interior Decorating. A lot of trailers (especially stock trailers) amount of Tennessee Walking Horse blood. The don’t have a lining on the walls. So, horses can bump into or Tennessee Walker did not figure prominently in original kick at the walls, damaging them or injuring themselves. Missouri Fox Trotter pedigrees, and so the FFHA, by Rubber wall liners are an option, but can be costly. Plywood restricting the amount of Walker blood, is attempting to is inexpensive alternative. Add-on accessories can make a trailer easier to use and have a higher resale value. Fans, hay bags and trailer ties are just a few. But don’t overdo it. Michelle Staples, author of Save Your Horse, has this inactivity, all conditioning in your horse is essentially lost. checklist: You're starting at ground zero of training your horse again. Even if the horse had plenty of turnout, many horses don't Safety Equipment. Is your first aid kit complete? Is your do much more than eat and stand around, especially when truck and trailer safety kit complete? Do you have extra the weather and ground conditions are bad. If the horse has lead ropes? gained weight, it will be harder for him to tolerate exercise, too. Arthritic joints or old tendon and ligament problems Tires And Wheels. Are tires in good condition? Look for may stiffen up during periods of inactivity. Even sound, bulges, slices, bare spots, worn tread. Are tires the right healthy adult horses should be gradually eased back into full size for the load? Rotate the tires (including balancing and work. properly inflating them. Clean and repack wheel bearings and replace seals. Are the wheel lugs tight? Are they all Slow But Sure there? The basics of bringing your horse back to regular work are pretty much common sense. Before you even start, make Floor And Body. Check floor for soft spots, rotting, sure his feet are in good repair. You don't want to start off splintering. This includes the ramp. Replace damaged with a strike against him that could cause pain, balance floor boards and treat floor with a preservative. If you are problems, uneven movement, or loss of sure-footedness. using mats, do they fit snugly? Are they worn and need Don't just hop on the horse and go, unless it's just for a replacing? Check metal for rust. Check fiberglass for brief, leisurely stroll. damage. Check the registration to be sure it’s up-to-date. Make sure the license plate is positioned so there are no It's a good idea to longe him to get some idea of his exercise sharp edges exposed. Check and oil all hinges, dividers, tolerance. Walk for 5 to 10 minutes, uninterrupted, with at doors, locks, and windows. Check all gaskets and molding least one change of direction, and then ask for a trot. Stop if to ensure good fit of windows. the horse starts tripping, breaks a sweat, is obviously breathing hard, or is no longer willing to keep trotting Brakes And Hitch. Clean and oil the jack stand. Grease without encouragement. As a rule of thumb, if you repeat the ball and the coupler. Inspect and service the brake the same pattern of exercise with the weight of tack and a drums and wheels. Check fluid levels and lines to rider, the horse will probably show the same level of fatigue hydraulic brakes. Do a loaded and unloaded drive test to in half the time. If you skip the trotting under saddle and check for even stopping. Inspect emergency trailer brake just walk, he'll last about the same length of time before battery. Check levelness of hitched trailer. getting tired.

Wiring And Suspension. Do all the lights work? Is the Before You "Spring" into Action wiring intact, clean and secured? Grease the springs,  Introduce exercise slowly, taking into account your horse's shackles if appropriate. Check shock absorbers and hoof condition, weight, age, health, and soundness. bushings. Tighten up the axle bolts.  Gradually get your horse in condition before asking him to do anything strenuous. Let’s stay safe and have a wonderful summer. Longe before working  Walk before trotting. Conditioning Your Horse after a Long Winter Watch for early signs of fatigue and stop before you overtax your horse.

Don't Be Fooled by Willingness A horse who hasn't seen much action over the winter can be just as excited about going out on that first ride as you are. Don't mistake this eagerness for fitness, and don't assume that the horse won't do more than he is physically conditioned to do. Odds are that he will, and in two or three days his muscles will really be feeling the effects. It doesn't matter what your horse's level of fitness was when you stopped riding. By the end of three months of

Horses who are very out of shape will benefit from daily longeing until they reach a point where it's actually worth remnants from the days when horses had more than one the trouble of tacking them up and riding-that is, when toe. The medial (inside) splint bone forms part of the lower they can tolerate about half an hour under saddle at a joint of the knee. Before the age of 4 or 5 years old, the walk. If you add 3 to 5 minutes at a time to the walking upper portions of the splint bone are held to the cannon phase, you'll be surprised at how quickly most horses will bone by a ligament. After this age, the ligament turns to improve their exercise tolerance. To do this, first increase bone. Because the top of the medial splint bone helps bear the walk time by 3 to 5 minutes, still always stopping the weight, when a young horse is moving, this force tends to trot when the horse shows signs of fatigue. Once he is push the splint bone out and stretch the attaching ligament. trotting comfortably and willingly for 5 minutes longer Over time, it is this tension that stimulates the ligament to than your starting point, add 3 to 5 minutes to the walk calcify and form a tighter attachment. However, if you phase again. When you're up to say a 20-minute walk and overdo exercise-either too long or too fast-a young horse a 20-minute trot, you can hit the trails for a 40-minute can end up with too much strain in this area, resulting in walk or 20 to 30 minutes of mixed walking and trotting. inflammation and swelling that is commonly called a "splint." Overdoing it when you start to ride again runs the risk of causing problems that can take far longer to correct than Horses whose cannon bones are offset to the outside or the time invested in preventing them would have taken. twisted in any way are also more prone to developing splint Muscular aches and pains are not something you can problems, and so are horses with improper amounts or "see" very easily, but they will manifest themselves as balances of minerals in their diets. To minimize the chances back and gait stiffness, sluggishness, poor attitude toward of this problem developing, always introduce exercise to work (who can blame the horse?), and even the young horses very slowly, especially if their front leg development of vices and refusals. Behaviors rooted in conformation is less than perfect. Feed a diet with correct pain really aren't training issues, but if misinterpreted as amounts and balances of minerals for a growing horse. such, they can lead to battles that can ruin your whole Check the splint area regularly and stop formal exercise at riding season. the first sign of heat or swelling. Aggressive treatment with ice packing and/or boots is the best way to control the The Very Young & Very Old inflammation. Horses who are just starting under saddle and are under the age of 3½ to 4 years old are still in the process of FIRST AID KIT strengthening their ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints. Every horse owner should have an equine first-aid kit in Exercise remodels these structures so they are better able their barn and trailer. There are a variety of equine first-aid to withstand exercise, but young horses are easily injured kits commercially available, ranging from less than $50 to until their structures are strengthened. However, their more than $500. While the expensive kits offer a great deal muscles, hearts, and lungs become conditioned much of diverse treatment options, most horse owners can get by more quickly, which means your youngster could be with a more affordable homemade kit for travel. overloading his skeleton before he shows you much along the lines of fatigue. Lots of miles at slow speeds is the The Bucket proper foundation for a young horse. The first step in making your own portable first-aid kit is locating a suitable bucket. A 5 gallon bucket with a snap on Older horses have a different set of problems to deal lid is the best option. If you don't have a good bucket (with a with. Their heart and lung function may not be as good as lid) you may be able to get one from any of several in their earlier years, and most horses accumulate one or community locations. Many delis, bakeries, and other food more arthritic joints or injuries in their lifetimes. If you producing companies buy supplies (like pickles, frosting, and take things slow, the regular exercise should actually lead filling) by the bucket. When the contents of those buckets to significant improvements in their endurance, flexibility, are used the facility is left with disposal. When you ask for a and comfort. If this isn't happening, it's time to involve bucket you may want to specify the size (5 gallons) and that your vet to form a game plan. it have a lid. Smaller buckets may also be available and they can be useful for other things. If you cannot find a free Stay Clear of Splints bucket you should be able to buy one from a local feed, The splint bones are two long, slender bones running supply, or tack store. down the back of the horse's cannon bone. They are 

The bucket serves two purposes: 1. It is a container to hold your first-aid kit items together and keep them It is important that you not only carry these items, but also clean; 2. It can be emptied and used as a bucket for first- know how to use them. To learn more about providing first- aid purposes like washing wounds. Before you begin aid care for your horse, talk to your veterinarian or attend a assembling your first-aid kit, thoroughly clean and dry training conducted by a veterinarian. your bucket. There should be no residue, lingering scent, or moisture in the bucket. *Tongue depressors can be used to apply topical medication without contaminating the wound or the medication. Filling the Bucket **You probably noticed that this list includes syringes but Supplies for your portable first-aid kit should be carefully not needles. For a basic first-aid kit, without any injectable selected to fit inside the bucket. Liquid and gel topical medication, you don't need needles. The syringes can be medications can be transferred from larger containers used to flush wounds. A 10 cc syringe is especially nice as into smaller leak proof applicators. Leave the larger you can draw up 2 cc of Betadine and then fill the remainder containers at home where you have more storage room. of the syringe with water for safe flushing of punctures and Travel shampoo containers work well for both liquids and other open wounds. gels. Small size Tupperware or Rubbermaid type food ***Diapers work great for packing hooves and they are very containers are also handy for holding more solid absorbent and can also be used to staunch the blood flow compounds, and organizing supplies. from a seeping wound. ****Rubber tubing can be inserted into the horse's nostril Wet Supplies You'll Need: and secured, to keep the horse's airway open in the event of Alcohol Preps OR 4x4" Gauze in a container with ample snakebite, excessive bee stings, or other bites that cause Rubbing Alcohol severe swelling of the face. Betadine Dawn Dish Soap OR Betadine Scrub OR Chlorhexidine Scrub Triple Antibiotic Ointment 1 Gallon Bottled Water Antiseptic Wound Spray

Dry Supplies You'll Need: 16" Combine Bandage Thermometer 4 – 3x4" Non-stick Telfa Stethoscope Pads Scissors Vetwrap Tweezers/Forceps 5 – Wooden Tongue Duct Tape Depressors * 4 – Disposable Diapers * 4 - 10 cc. Syringes * Gloves 4x4" Gauze Clean, small towels Epsom Salt sanitizer 2-6" sections of rubber Small flashlight tubing*

You should talk to your veterinarian about other prescription medications to include in your portable first- aid kit like anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and tranquilizers. Some prescription medication may require special handling and storage and might have to housed in a location other than your handy first-aid bucket. Once the bucket is filled just snap on the lid and you are ready. As you deplete supplies from the kit simply replace them from your barn supply.