Whatever the nature of the problem, whether it is illness, lameness, wound, hemorrhage, colic, or something you're not sure of, the vital signs are important in determining how serious the horse's general condition is. It is very helpful to have this information available for your veterinarian. Although this information is helpful, issues of safety and saving the patient take precedence. For instance, with violent colic it is not hardly possible or necessary to gather this information. In a situation of severe bleeding, the priority is to stop the bleeding first.
Wounds are very common in the horse.
Clean cuts, jagged lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions may need immediate attention from you until you can get help. First, control the bleeding. Excessive blood loss can lead to shock and death. A compression bandage should be applied evenly over the affected area. If the bleeding is from an area that cannot be bandaged, direct pressure can be used.