The British Horse Society (BHS), in partnership with the University of Nottingham, has launched WoundWise, a new online educational resource designed to help those responsible for equines better understand, assess and manage equine wounds.
Understanding the different types of wounds, how they heal and what to look out for can play an important role in safeguarding a horse’s health and welfare. The new resource aims to give owners practical information and greater confidence when dealing with wounds, while helping them recognise when veterinary attention is needed.
The resource has been developed using research from the University of Nottingham, including five years of research into the types of wounds seen in horses and the information horse owners and veterinary teams need to manage them effectively.
Knowing when a wound needs veterinary attention
One of the key findings from the research was that only 53% of horse owners said they knew when a wound required veterinary attention.
Knowing when to seek professional help is an important part of wound management. While some wounds may be relatively straightforward to manage, others can deteriorate quickly or involve structures where prompt veterinary assessment is essential.
WoundWise includes an interactive assessment tool to help owners consider the characteristics of a wound and understand when veterinary support should be sought.
The resource is not intended to replace veterinary advice, but rather to help owners make more informed decisions and recognise situations where professional assessment may be required.
Practical resources for horse owners
Available through the BHS website, the WoundWise hub includes a range of practical resources covering different aspects of wound care.
These include:
- An interactive diagram highlighting specific and high-risk areas of injury
- A step-by-step guide explaining what to do when a wound is discovered
- Information to help owners assess different types of wounds
- Bandaging videos and practical guidance
- Advice on what to include in an equine first aid kit
- An interactive assessment tool to help identify when veterinary attention may be required.
For horse owners, yard owners, grooms and anyone involved in the day-to-day care of horses, having access to clear information about wounds can be particularly valuable. Early recognition of potential problems and appropriate action can help reduce the risk of complications and support better welfare outcomes.
Supporting better wound care
The collaboration between the BHS and University of Nottingham has brought together research evidence with practical information designed around the needs of horse owners and veterinary professionals.
The aim is to improve understanding of equine wounds and give owners the information they need to respond appropriately, while reinforcing the importance of seeking veterinary advice where necessary.
For yards and equestrian professionals responsible for the care of multiple horses, WoundWise could also provide a useful reference when reviewing first aid procedures, staff knowledge and the contents of yard first aid kits.
The launch highlights the importance of equine wound management as part of everyday horse care and welfare. Knowing what to look for, understanding how wounds can develop and heal, and recognising when professional intervention is required can all help ensure horses receive the right care at the right time.
The WoundWise resources are available through the British Horse Society website.