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.

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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.

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FAQ

What’s the safest way to move past a kick zone?

Stay wide, keep a hand on the horse so it knows where you are, speak, and avoid ducking behind quarters in tight spaces.

Do fly sheets or belly bands help reduce kicks?

Reducing irritation helps. Combine sheets/masks with bait/traps and manure management for best results.

When do I call the vet for the horse?

Any deep wound, swelling that spreads, heat, lameness, or behavior changes after a kick—call your veterinarian.

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This guide is informational and not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Always follow your veterinarian’s and medical provider’s advice.

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