Heart Rate / Pulse: Locate your horse's pulse in one of three spots: the inside of the jawbone just below the large cheek muscles; at the back of the knee; or just below the fetlock on the inside of the leg.
Using your watch, count how many beats you feel in 10 seconds.
Multiply this number by 6 to determine his heart beats per minute.
Respiratory Rate: Watch your horse's nostrils or his flank move in and out as he breathes.
Using your watch, count how many breaths he takes in 15 seconds.
Multiply this number by 4 to determine your horse's respiratory rate.
Because every horse will have slightly different "normal" readings, periodically measure your horse's temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate to determine what is truly normal for him.
Temperature: Your human thermometer isn't appropriate for many different reasons, so stock your barn first aid kit with the proper veterinary variety. It should be long and attached to a clip by a string.
Wipe off the thermometer and shake it down until it reads 97 degrees F. Coat the thermometer with petroleum jelly and insert it three-quarters of the way into the horse's rectum. Stand to the side, instead of directly behind your horse in case he objects to this delicate procedure. Attach the clip to the horse's tail.
Wait 1 to 2 minutes, remove the thermometer, wipe it clean and note the reading.
Normal Vital Signs
- Heart Rate: 35 to 45 beats per mintue
- Respiratory Rate: 8 to 16 breaths per minute
- Temperature: 99.8-101.3 F
A = Temperature
