How is your horse feeling?

Every horse owner should really know what is normal for their horse, this is how we know when our horses might not be feeling tip-top. Making a few vital checks part of your every day routine will make you aware what is normal for your horse.

If you are aware of how your horse acts and reacts when they are feeling good in themselves then you will be quicker to react when you know that they are feeling un-well. It will also help you to give a clearer picture to your vet.

Temperature

A horse's temperature is usually between 100.8 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.4 and 39 degrees centigrade. The varying in temperature can often be related to the time of year and this is why knowing what is normal for your horse is important.

Taking your horses temperature

• Ask somebody to hold your horse for you.

• Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly

• Always make sure that your horse knows that you are there and stand to the side of your horse at their hip, moving the tail to the side.

• Insert the thermometer gently into the horse's rectum so that you can feel it lying against the rectum wall.

• Leave the thermometer (if mercury) in place for about three minutes or if it is digital, until you hear it beep.

• Carefully remove the thermometer and check the reading.

• Always clean the thermometer before it is replaced.

Respiration

The average rate of respiration for a horse is 8-20 breaths per minute when they are at rest in the stable. You can check your horse's rate of respiration by watching your horse's rib cage or putting a hand on their belly for a minute. If you are still having difficulty feeling their breath, you can place one hand in front of their nostrils to feel the horse exhale.

The breaths should not be too easy to see and the nostrils should not be flared. Any wheezing or unusual sounds may mean that the horse needs veterinary attention.

Hydration

A horses body is made up of 60% water and a healthy horse will drink a minimum of five gallons per day so you must make sure that your horse has access to fresh clean drinking water at all times.

The Pinch Test

To check of your horse is dehydrated, gently pinch the skin on your horse's neck. If the skin flattens back into place instantly then they are not dehydrated. The longer that the skin stays pinched, the more dehydrated the horse is.

The mouth and eyes

Opening your horse's mouth and looking at their gums can be a clear indicator of your horse's health; the gums of a horse are slightly paler than humans. If you press on your horse's gums, the colour should return to normal within a few seconds.

Horses eyes should be bright and the edges should be a similar colour to that of the gums. If the eyes are weeping, swollen or closed, you should seek veterinarian advice.

How is your horse feeling?

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