Amanda Remillard loves her horse, Cash.

But though she’s owned horses for three years, the St. Vital resident admits she wouldn’t know what to do if Cash suddenly got sick or injured.

"I wouldn’t have a clue," she said.

Remillard said she’s never had an opportunity to learn first aid for her horse, which is why she’s looking forward to a free clinic being held the evening of Wed., May 23.

The First Aid for Horses clinic is being hosted by Poco-Razz Farm in south St. Vital south of the Perimeter Highway — the same farm where Remillard boards Cash — and will be led by Dr. Ken Johnson of Central Veterinary Services.

Jim Shapiro, the owner of Poco-Razz Farm, said the idea for the clinic came after he and others realized many horse lovers don’t necessarily know how to care for the animals when it comes to first aid.

That can lead to a number of problems, he said.

"If a horse is injured, it could be minor but the owner panics. Or it could be major, and the owner doesn’t recognize it," he said.

Roger Tytgat, the farm’s facility manager, said the clinic is also open to owners who feel confident in caring for their horse.

"You can never have too much knowledge," he said.

Shapiro said there are several reasons why a good horse owner may not know first aid.

Mostly, he suggested, many owners — like Remillard — would never have had an opportunity to learn the skills, as first aid clinics are rare in Winnipeg.

Emily Matthews — who boards her horse Star at Poco-Razz — said she knows the basics of first aid, but is looking forward to clinic.

"It’s good to always have a refresher . . . to know when to call the vet, and when I can do it myself," she said.

Topics at the first aid clinic will include physical examination, wounds, lameness, colic, bandaging, injections, parting, first aid kit, owner preparedness.

No horses are required. The clinic is open to all current horse owners, and those considering buying a horse.

Registration for the event is required by May 18 by calling 255-4717.

Poco-Razz Farm is located at 130 Greenview Rd, off St. Mary’s Road.

Visit www.pocorazzfarm.ca for more information.

arielle.godbout@canstarnews.com