5 Vital Signs About Your Horse

Why Vital Signs Matter

Knowing your horse's normal vital signs is one of the most important skills a horse owner can develop. Changes in vital signs can be the earliest indicator that something is wrong, often before other symptoms become apparent.

1. Heart Rate

A normal resting heart rate for an adult horse is 28-44 beats per minute. You can feel the pulse under the jaw where the facial artery crosses the mandible. An elevated heart rate at rest can indicate pain, fever, dehydration, or other health concerns.

2. Respiratory Rate

Normal respiratory rate at rest is 8-14 breaths per minute. Watch your horse's flank to count breaths. Rapid or laboured breathing at rest warrants veterinary attention.

3. Temperature

Normal rectal temperature ranges from 37.2°C to 38.3°C. A temperature above 38.5°C indicates fever and should be monitored. Significantly elevated temperatures require veterinary attention.

4. Gut Sounds

Normal horses have active gut sounds that you can hear by placing your ear against their flank. An absence of gut sounds can be an early sign of colic and should be taken seriously.

5. Mucous Membrane Colour

Healthy gums should be a salmon-pink colour and moist. Press the gum briefly — the colour should return within 2 seconds (capillary refill time). Dark red, pale, blue, or yellow gums are all causes for concern.

When to Call the Vet

If any vital signs are significantly outside normal range, or if your horse seems unwell in any way, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.