There is nothing like learning on the job and as a first-time horse owner I am gaining hands-on practical knowledge every day. I have also taken the opportunity to undertake some courses, one of which was a First Aid Course run by Nicola Kinnard of NKC Equestrian. Having found it extremely helpful, I thought I would share my experience with others who may be looking to learn more.
After buying Riley I thought it would be useful to have some horse first aid knowledge under my belt
I became aware of the NKC Equestrian First Aid Course when I met Nicola at a Hi Ho and Co Event although at the time I wasn’t a horse owner. After buying Riley I thought it would be useful to have horse first aid under my belt.
Coincidentally the First Aid Course was part of an online charity auction organised by Amy from Muddy Mare Clothing, raising much needed funds for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). I was delighted as the RDA is a charity close to my heart and pre COVID-19, I was volunteering each week. Alongside this, Amy is a lovely person and I knew how much hard work and time had been invested in the auction and so it was wonderful to be able to support it.
I loved the course and as a new horse owner, found it tremendously helpful. It was a lovely bonus to receive my horse care certificate from the BHS a few weeks later.
I placed my bid……and won!
So, I duly placed my bid for the First Aid Course and won. I contacted Nicola from NKC Equestrian, and she signed me up for the next available course.
the NKC Equestrian First Aid Course
This was to be delivered by three online classes delivered by Zoom. Each one was around two hours long and hosted by Nicola herself with vet Kate Lingfield delivering the lecture.
For each lecture Nicola emailed a workbook that I could print out to accompany the zoom and I found it a useful accompaniment to make notes. There was also a Facebook Group which we were given access to and this enabled us to recap on any of the areas given in the lectures.
The first session covered knowing what is normal for your horse, vital signs, vaccinations, the first aid kit and wounds.
The second session was about equine emergencies, these included nosebleeds, choke, cast and colic.
For the third and final session, we covered eyes, lameness, snotty noses, biosecurity and strangles.
At the end of each session there was a summary from Nicola and the opportunity to ask questions.
The BHS Challenge Award for Horse Health
the BHS Challenge Award for Horse Health
Not only did the course provide a good grounding of horse first aid it was thoroughly enjoyable. What’s more, completion of the course means qualification for the BHS Challenge Award for Horse Health and so my BHS certificate duly arrived through the post a few weeks later. I must admit I did miss the sessions once they had ended. Luckily, Nicola provides other courses, so I have been able to continue my education.
