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One Splint, Plenty of Possibilities: Why We Carry SAM Splints in the Hunt Field

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Part 1: Wrist injuries — because the ground doesn’t care how good a rider you are. Every fox hunter knows that an unexpected dismount is sometimes part of the sport. One minute you’re enjoying a beautiful day following hounds. The next, you’re getting a much closer look at the ground than you intended. And when riders fall, there’s a natural instinct to reach out and catch themselves. Unfortunately, that can leave you with a painful wrist injury. A Common Injury With a Simple Challenge A fall onto an outstretched hand can result in a sprain, fracture, or dislocation. The problem in the hunt field? You’re probably not standing next to an emergency department. You’re potentially several fields from the trailers, and moving an injured wrist can be extremely painful. That’s where a simple piece of equipment can make a difference. Meet the SAM Splint A SAM Splint is a lightweight, flexible splint constructed with a thin aluminum core surrounded by foam. It can be shaped to suppor...

What’s in Your First Aid Kit? Preparing for the Unexpected in the Hunt Field

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Because a few Band-Aids and a bottle of water aren’t much of an emergency plan. Most fox hunters spend plenty of time preparing for a day in the field. We check our tack, groom our horses, inspect our equipment, and make sure everything is ready before the first hound is cast. But how much thought goes into the first aid supplies we carry? For many riders, the answer is surprisingly little. And when an injury occurs miles from the nearest road, the contents of a first aid kit suddenly become very important. Not All First Aid Kits Are Created Equal A small household first aid kit may be perfectly adequate for minor cuts and scrapes. But the hunt field presents different challenges. Falls from horses, sharp branches, fences, and remote locations can create situations requiring more than a few adhesive bandages. A well-prepared hunt field kit should account for both common minor injuries and potentially serious emergencies. Bleeding-Control Supplies One of the most important ...

The Cold Ground Problem: Why Every Fox Hunter Should Carry an Emergency Blanket

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Field Notes | Fox Hunt First Aid Supply Co. A rider is down. Help is on the way. But have you thought about keeping them warm? Picture this: You’re enjoying a beautiful day in the hunt field when a fellow rider is bucked off their horse. They hit the ground hard and aren’t getting up. Someone calls 911. Another rider helps keep their head and neck still. Everyone is waiting for EMS to arrive. But there’s one more thing you can do that is often overlooked. Prevent heat loss. It’s Not That Cold Outside… Does It Really Matter? Absolutely. When someone is injured, especially following a significant fall, maintaining body temperature becomes an important part of their care. And here’s something many riders don’t realize: Hypothermia isn’t just a winter problem. An injured rider lying on damp grass, cold soil, or exposed ground can lose body heat even when the weather feels relatively comfortable. Wind, rain, wet clothing, and prolonged exposure can accelerate that heat loss. Fo...