3 Things Every Horse Owner Should Know

By Di Stalter.

Three things every horse owner should be able to assess are temperature, pulse and respiration. If you can tell your veterinarian these vital signs over the phone during an emergency, you will receive more accurate treatment for your horse.
You may also want to know how to check the color of your horse's mucous membranes and hear the gut sounds

Check your horse's temperature

Lubricate a plastic, digital thermometer using petroleum jelly. Your horse's rectum will naturally try to draw the thermometer inside so either hold the thermometer firmly or tie a string to the end of it.

It takes about one or two minutes to get your reading. Your horse's temperature should read between 99.8F and 101.3F. Warm weather can make it slightly higher. Exercise or excitement can also raise his temperature. If your horse is not feeling well, and his temperature is above 102F, you may want to call your vet.

If you think your horse may not be feeling well, take his temperature several times during the day.

Check your horse's pulse

Beneath the jaw, under the tail at the tailbone, or on the left side of the chest- just under the elbow are the most common places to find your horse's pulse. If you have trouble finding the pulse, ask your vet the next time he is out.

Count the heartbeats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the pulse rate. Your horse's normal pulse rate when resting should be around 40 beats per minute. During exercise, it can exceed 180 beats per minute. Fear, stress and excitement will increase your horse's heart rate.

If your horse is calm, and his heart rate is above 60, you may want to call your vet.

Check your horse's respiration

You can easily check your horse's respiration by either watching his torso or by watching his nostrils. Watch for 15 seconds and multiply the number of breathes by four to get your horse's breaths per minute. A normal breath rate is 8 - 10 breaths per minute.

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