What are the biggest kick risk factors?

Pain/discomfort, crowding or dominance disputes, startle responses, and irritation (flies, poor fit).

What do I do first after a kick?

Ensure scene safety, separate horses if needed, then call your veterinarian or medical provider. Provide only basic first aid until a pro evaluates.

How do barns reduce kick incidents?

Clear handling rules, fit checks, fly control, safe tie/lead zones, ongoing staff education, and behavior plans for problem horses.

Dealing with Horse Kicks: Prevention, Treatment, and Comprehensive Management

September 17, 2023

Dealing with Horse Kicks: Prevention, Response & Ongoing Management | Draw It Out®

Care & Safety

Dealing with Horse Kicks: Prevention, Response & Ongoing Management

Vet-first guidance. Real-barn habits. Safer rides for humans and horses.

Kicks happen fast. A solid prevention plan and a calm, stepwise response can turn chaos into control. Use this as a barn-friendly checklist—and always loop in your veterinarian or medical provider when injuries occur.

1) Understand the “why” behind kicks

Pain/discomfort: Ill-fitting tack, dental/musculoskeletal issues, skin irritation.
Space & hierarchy: Crowding, resources, new horses, turnout politics.
Startle response: Sudden noise/movement; prey-brain reflexes fire first.
Irritation: Flies, rubs, heat—comfort fixes reduce reactivity.
Dominance/aggression: Needs training/behavior plan with a qualified pro.

2) Prevention that pays

Handling & training

Teach and honor personal space; approach with steady, visible movement.
Desensitize to common barn stimuli; rehearse tying, leading, and passing.
Alignment checks: tack fit, dental, farrier, and bodywork per your vet’s program.

Environment & operations

Fly control in stalls/aisles; shade and airflow in hot months.
Safe lanes and tie areas; no squeeze points at gates or doors.
Post barn rules (approach angles, lead positions, turnout order).

3) Immediate response when a kick happens

Scene safety: Separate horses; secure the area before touching the injured party.
Call a pro: Vet for the horse; medical care for people—don’t self-diagnose serious injuries.
Basic first aid only: Control bleeding, protect wounds with clean dressings, avoid ointments unless instructed.
Document: Time, location, witnesses; note tack/fit context and behavior observed.

Reminder: Even “minor” kicks can mask fractures or internal injury. When in doubt, call.

4) Long-term management (keep it from repeating)

Behavior & program

Trainer/behaviorist plan for chronic kickers; track triggers and progress.
Adjust turnout groups; match energy levels and social compatibility.
Refresh staff training quarterly; walk-throughs for new handlers.

Barn systems

Incident log: horse, context, weather, feed, workload.
Emergency drills: contact tree, first-aid kits, transport plan.
Regular fit audits: saddle/pad, girths, boots; farrier on cadence.

Helpful, rider-trusted essentials

Rapid Relief Restorative Cream

Daily skin care: Fragrance- and dye-free formula designed for a clean, tidy finish when used as directed.
Barn-friendly: Pairs with normal grooming on non-broken skin.
Made in the USA: Built for real riders and busy barns.

External use on intact skin only. Avoid eyes and sensitive areas. Follow label directions; this product is not a substitute for medical or veterinary care.

View Rapid Relief Restorative Cream More Horse Care

Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel

Sensation-free: Clean, show-friendly application riders trust for pre-/post-work massage routines.
Routine-ready: Fits easily into cooldown and grooming flows.
Tidy use: External application per label only.

Shop 16oz Gel View All Products