Cuts and scrapes are, unfortunately, a frequent part of a farrier’s job. Along with a standard first aid kit, these items should be in your shoeing rig.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This bubbling liquid is great for removing foreign particles from a cut and can also be useful in treating some hoof problems.

Antibiotic Ointment

After cleaning a cut,  apply the ointment over the injured area and cover it with a bandage.

Bandages

Vet wrap, Band-Aids and 1-inch cloth tape all come in quite handy. After I cover a wound with a Band-Aid, I cover the bandage with either vet wrap or tape to keep it on all day (black electrical tape will also work well).

Burn Cream

Even if you brush your steel often, slag can still find a way to your tong hand. Burn creams with aloe vera work well, but if you can get your doctor to prescribe “Silver Sulfadiazine Cream,” it will be well worth the trouble.

Keeping these few items on hand and  accessible will greatly reduce the chance of developing nasty infections.