Bandaging and poulticing wounds | The British Horse Society

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Applying an emergency pressure bandage

An emergency pressure bandage is used to help control severe bleeding while waiting for your vet. It should only be applied in an emergency as it can cause damage if used inappropriately. If the situation is too dangerous, wait for your vet to arrive.

Applying a dressing

Your vet may advise you to apply a dressing to your horse's wound. If applied incorrectly bandages can result in pressure points, sores and cause damage to your horse's limbs

Applying a hoof poultice

A poultice can be applied to the hoof to encourage an abscess to burst. The video below will help you apply a hoof poultice.

Helpful links

First-aid kit

Last updated: 6th August 2026

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential at home and while travelling

High-risk wound areas

Last updated: 6th August 2026

Some wounds can appear minor, but their location can mean they’re close to important structures or may have difficulty healing.

Assessing a wound

Last updated: 6th August 2026

It can be difficult to know if you need to contact a vet to treat a wound. our guide below will help you.

Types of wounds and wound healing

Last updated: 6th August 2026

Understanding the different types of wounds, how they heal and what to look out for will help to safeguard your horse’s wellbeing

Lameness Signs, Assessment and Diagnosis

Last updated: 30th April 2026

Lameness can come from any part of the horse’s body and alter the way they move, behavioural traits and their ability to perform.

Equine stress

Last updated: 10th April 2026

Equine stress can be described as the horse trying to cope with an undesirable aspect of their environment or management, that is causing a negative effect on their emotional health

Get in touch – we’re here to help 

Our Horse Care and Welfare team are here to help and can offer you further advice with any questions you may have. Contact us on 02476 840517* or email welfare@bhs.org.uk. You can also get in touch with us via our social media channels. 

Opening times are 8.35am–5pm from Monday — Thursday and 8.35am–3pm on Friday. 

*Calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes. 