The packer who ventures into backcountry must carry a basic veterinary first aid kit and have the knowledge to use it, because veterinary assistance will not be available for hours or days in the event of an injury, and the difference between appropriate first aid and no first aid can determine whether an animal survives a serious injury or remains sound for the remainder of the trip.
The most important items in a backcountry horse first aid kit are wound care supplies — wound wash or saline solution, antiseptic ointment, wound powder or spray, bandaging materials including sterile gauze pads, roll gauze, self-adhesive bandage, and duct tape for emergency hoof bandaging. Wounds sustained on the trail must be cleaned, assessed for depth and severity, and bandaged to prevent contamination.
Additionally, a packer should carry a hoof pick, a thermometer, veterinary-prescribed NSAIDs for pain and inflammation management, and electrolytes for rehydrating a dehydrated animal. A hoof boot that fits the animals in the string can be invaluable if a shoe is lost. The ability to assess lameness, identify signs of colic, and make the decision to continue or turn back based on an animal's condition is knowledge that no kit can substitute for.