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You are your horse's first responder. Your prompt action can be the difference between life and death. Get certified in Equine First Aid and be prepared to act.
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Our most comprehensive, and popular, course! Join us for a one day course covering: what your vet needs to know, conditioning a horse to accept treatment, taking vital signs, dealing with lacerations, punctures, colic, choke, collapse, casting, shock, hoof issues, recognizing pain in the horse and pain source identification, injury prevention and so much more! All attendees receive a certificate of completion and first aid manual.
This is a pre-requisite for "Advanced Emergency First Aid". If you take both courses in combination, the discounted package price is $298 for both courses.
Cost $169.00
Join us for a one-day advanced equine emergency first aid course and learn what to do in the most extreme situations! Covering everything from lacerations to poison, burns to bites, fractures to sucking chest wounds, this course prepares the student to handle the most serious injuries while waiting for the vet. We will also cover horse assessment, conformation, and conditioning for activities.
If you take this course in combination with "Equine Health & Emergency First Aid" , the discounted package price is $298 for both courses.
Cost $169.00
Join us for a one-day advanced equine emergency first aid course and learn what to do in the most extreme situations! Covering everything from lacerations to poison, burns to bites, fractures to sucking chest wounds, this course prepares the student to handle the most serious injuries while waiting for the vet. We will also cover horse assessment, conformation, and conditioning for activities.
If you take this course in combination with "Equine Health & Emergency First Aid" , the discounted package price is $298 for both courses.
Cost $169.00
This is a half day, fast paced clinic covering the fundamentals of first aid. Working hands on with the horses, you will learn to take vital signs, recognize pain in the horse, detect colic, and participate in a lot of bandaging in realistic scenarios! All attendees receive a first aid reference booklet. Appropriate for folks without extensive horse experience. Ages 10 and up.
Appropriate for folks without extensive horse experience. Ages 10 and up.
Cost $99.00
If you have a kiddo between ages 5-10 that lives on or is active at a ranch or farm, this course is a must-have! In this three-hour program, kids will learn safety around livestock, farm equipment, hay mows, hidden dangers around the farm, what to do in case of fire, and how to handle emergencies mother nature may cause. This course is designed to prepare kids in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Cost $59.00
What is Equine First Aid?
Rules of First Aid
Why should I get certified?
Read up on everything from hosting a clinic, to what is included in the courses, and more!.
Yes. Anyone can host an Equine First Aid clinic. We’ll need a space for those who will be attending and a horse or two to practice the hands-on portion of administering first aid.
The cost of clinics ranges from $59 - $169 per person. The cost is determined by the course that best fits your interests. For example, our most popular courses are Equine Health and Emergency First Aid, Advanced Equine First Aid (Indoor), and Advanced Equine First Aid (Backcountry Wilderness & Remote living) which all cost $169.
Clinic fees need to be paid at least 2 weeks prior to your clinic date. This lead time allows for your instructor to purchase manuals and first aid materials.
Your instructor comes to you! Clinics can he held anywhere but what is easiest is at a barn, ranch, arena, park, or home where the group attending the clinic has space to sit for the theory portion of the clinic and where a horse or two can be used for the hands-on portion of the clinic. If the clinic is being held at your location, for example, you would be “the host” of the clinic.
A clinic consists of 1) a theory portion where participants learn about what first aid is, how it is applied, and various injuries and ailments to be aware of and how to identify them, and 2) a hands-on section of the clinic where participants actually implement first aid protocols according to scenario cards provided by the instructor. The day also consists of lively discussion, plenty of time for questions, breaks, and, of course, a lunch break.
Yes. For the hands-on portion of each clinic, a horse or two is needed so participants can practice implementing bandaging techniques. With that said, we all have good days and bad days, just like our horses If we have an unwilling patient (horse) or discomfort when practicing first aid on an unfamiliar horse, your instructor has a plastic anatomy horse leg that can be used. Or, we’ll just bandage each other! Flexibility is key here.
Your certification lasts for 3 years from the date of your clinic. It is listed on your hardcopy certificate you receive once you complete the clinic(s) of your choosing.
Currently, the number of people in a clinic at one time depends on the Covid restrictions for your state/county. Clinics will be capped at 10. For clinics with the potential for more than 10 participants, touch base with your instructor to discuss further.
Bring a sack lunch and plenty of hydration. Most importantly, bring yourself and enthusiasm to learn, share your experiences, and have fun with a group of horse loving individuals.
Clinics can be held in a variety of locations from inside to outside, in an arena, or on hay bails under the shade of nearby trees. This means it is important to prepare by knowing the weather, wearing temperature appropriate clothing, always wearing closed toed/horse proof shoes. For the sunny, hot days, a hat, sunglasses and sun block is recommended. Wear and bring what makes you comfortable
No worries at all. In this case, you can either practice on a human partner or use “Charlie Horse Leg,” an anatomical plastic horse leg provided by your instructor.
There is no final quiz at the end of the clinic, however, be ready to be verbally quizzed by your instructor throughout the day!
Unfortunately, discounts cannot be provided on clinics per Equi-First Aid USA/Canada headquarters. If you decide to take two courses in a row, however, a discount can be applied as a package deal. For example, on Saturday you take Basic Equine Health and Emergency First Aid and combine that with Advanced Emergency First Aid (Indoor) on Sunday. A discount can be provided since you’re taking back-to-back courses over the weekend. Contact your instructor for more detail.
The day of the clinic, your instructor will need a signed Release of Liability (ROL) from you prior to beginning the training. This document will be provided by your instructor.
Your certification is through Equi-First Aid USA.
Established in 2007, Equi-First Aid Canada/USA Equi-First Aid USA is an organization that helps horse owners and horse lovers improve the health and safety of their equine companions. Courses range from equine health and emergency first aid, advanced first aid, and advanced wilderness training to individuals, clubs, and organizations. the vision of educating horse owners in emergency first aid and providing quality training and products. Our courses and products were developed by Veterinarians in conjunction with farriers, equine chiropractors, equine massage therapists, and equine experts. The courses are recognized across the US, Canada, Australia and beyond. Our organization is governed by our team of Veterinarians and a Board of Advisors.
Happy day y’all! My name is Brittany Steffensen and I am your Equine First Aid Instructor with Open Air Equine, LLC located in Colorado. Originally hailing from the limbs of the Maple trees of Minnesota, my love of horses goes way back to my childhood where I spent an endless amount of time trail riding, jumping, and enjoying the beautiful companionship of my grandpa’s Percheron Draft horses that he still raises today on his ranch in the Midwest.
After years of working with just humans, I decided to rekindle my passion for horses and jump back into the equestrian scene with both feet by managing over 100 volunteers at a local horse rescue and playing an integral role in helping the rescue reach its goals of finding amazing homes for well-deserved horses. One horse in particular at the rescue that caught my eye and stole my heart was Chicago, who has since found his forever home with me. Wanting to connect with the horse community in my area and continue to learn, I am honored to be a part of the board of directors with Boulder County Horse Association where our goal is to unite the equestrian community through education and recreation.
A people person at heart with a love for horses naturally evolved into obtaining a certification and becoming an Equine First Aid instructor, and with it, my journey of helping fellow equestrians reach their goals of horse ownership, confidence, and successfully riding the roller coaster that being a horse parent can often feel like. See you on the trails my friends.
Live | Love | Ride
"I recently attended an equine first aid clinic hosted by Brittany Steffensen of Open Air Equine. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned so much as well. Brittany's love of the topic is contagious and her expertise is shared in an approachable and informative manner. I especially appreciated the hands-on experience she provided. It helped me to not only hear the information, but to put the lessons into practice. Because of my time spent at the Open Air clinic, I feel so much more prepared to handle the what-ifs of horse care. Thanks Brittany!"
Melissa Keyserling, Noble Reins Equestrian, Loveland
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"Brittany of Open Air Equine is a consummate professional and presents an easy-to-understand, fun, and information-filled course. I highly recommend taking the Equine First Aid Fundamentals course whether you are a novice or experienced horse owner. Being prepared and having practiced what to do in an emergency is invaluable. The first aid course will cover topics that range from normal vital signs to hands-on bandaging. Brittany is an excellent presenter and makes sure that all the participants are engaged and learning. You will learn how to administer immediate first aid, determine when to call the veterinarian and how to provide them the best information possible for when they arrive. She additionally provided information on stretching and massage that I believe every horse owner/rider should do before they hop on their pony!"
Dr. Cloe Pogoda
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"Thanks so very much Brittany for following up! This is awesome getting to learn even more! Thanks for finding out the thermometer question. I really had a hard time tracking anything down about it. Our herd really put us through a loop since our clinic. Two kick wounds to the legs. One was in a joint and the other needed staples. I am so happy we did this first aid class. It is my new goal to try to get everyone to do the class. You did an excellent job!!! It is such valuable information and if you want to ride and have a horse you need to know how to care for them. It makes it way less stressful when things go wrong. Best of luck with all of your future clinics and lets get another group organized at Spectrum."
Best, Liz Carvalho (trainer @ Spectrum Equestrian)
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"Brittany’s equine first aid class is hands-on, well-organized, and helpful to novice horse owners as well as for experienced horse owners. From identifying and assessing various lameness and injury issues to deciding when to call the vet and what to do until the vet gets there, she presents issues we all face at the barn in a logical, fun, and comprehensive way. I highly recommend this course!"
Jane - Carlisle Equestrian Center
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"Thank you Brittany for hosting the Equine First Aid Class in Longmont. I learned so much and had so much fun with all the other horse-loving students. Your preparedness and life-long experience and knowledge of horses were impressive and I highly recommend your course to all horse owners. The hands-on training and working directly with the horses was my favorite part. I feel a lot more prepared and confident in myself if an injury or emergency with my horse arises. The starter Equine First Aid Kit I purchased is a great idea too! I wear it whenever I'm riding. "
Piper Ericksen
Longmont, CO
openairequine@gmail.com 
763-226-0089