Signs of good health
As a loving owner, you are responsible for your horse’s health so it is vital to monitor and check their well-being on a daily basis. You should be able to recognise if your horse is under the weather whenever you go to see him, be it in the morning or evening.
Horses will vary hugely, but there are signs of general good health that will apply to all; whether he is a happy hacker or a 4* eventer. With careful management and monitoring, you can spot differences in horse health, and know when you should call the vet.
Delaying any illness or condition may compromise your horses health long term, which can generate costly vet bills, so if you do not have any horse insurance, you may find yourself with some large bills.
As you visit your horse daily, you will get to know what his normal behaviour is like, how much he drinks and eats which will help you notice if anything changes.
You should check your horse daily for the signs of good health. Below are the main pointers to look out for.
- An alert expression
- Clear eyes. The membrane under the eye lids should be pale pink in colour.
- A glossy coat, which lies flat.
- Loose skin, which moves easily over the underlying bones.
- No visible signs of sweating when at rest.
- Cool limbs with no unusual swellings, lumps of bumps
- The horse stands on all four feet evenly on the ground, or, if relaxed, one hind leg resting only.
- Normal appetite and water consumption
- Droppings which are free from any offensive smell, and are passed several times a day. They may vary in colour and consistency, according to the horses’ diet.
As a responsible owner, you will also be aware of your horses TPR, Temperature, Pulse and Respiration.
- A temperature of 38?C (100.5?F). this can vary by up to half a degree night and morning (normally lower in the morning)
- At rest, a pulse rate of 36 to 42 beats per minutes.
- At rest, a respiration rate of 8 to 12 inhalations per minute.
If you notice that your horse behaving differently than normal, or is not his normal self, it is an indicator for you to check him for any further problems which could be affecting his health.
You should trust your gut instincts, and if you are concerned about your horses’ well-being then it is always best to call the vet if you are in any doubt.
Remember – A healthy horse is a happy horse!
