Know Your Horse's Normal: Temperature, Pulse and Respiration

Why take them when nothing is wrong

Penn State says to assess vital signs both when the horse is healthy, to set baseline measurements, and when it seems sick, to see whether anything deviates. Regular practice also helps you get comfortable with the steps and helps the horse get used to being checked.

Extension Horses makes the same point: just knowing the normal values for temperature, pulse and respiration gives real insight into how your horse is doing, and helps you and your veterinarian when you think something is wrong.

The numbers, and why your horse's own average counts

Penn State's table, which cites the American Association of Equine Practitioners, lists typical resting adult values: temperature 99 to 101.5 degrees F, pulse 28 to 44 beats per minute, respiration 10 to 24 breaths per minute, gums wet, pink and shiny, and capillary refill in 1 to 2 seconds. Exercise raises the numbers, and larger horses often run lower than smaller ones.

Extension Horses gives narrower typical ranges for many horses, such as a heart rate of 32 to 36 and 8 to 12 breaths a minute. The two sources differ, which is the point Penn State makes: establish what is average for your individual horse before illness is suspected.

How to take each one

For temperature, use a digital thermometer with lubricant and stand beside the horse near the hip, not behind. Extension Horses suggests tying a string and clip to the thermometer so it can be clipped to the tail and cannot be lost. For pulse, listen with a stethoscope behind the left elbow, count the lub-dub for 30 seconds and double it. For breathing, watch the flank for 30 seconds and double it; Penn State advises against watching the nostrils, since sniffing is easy to mistake for breathing.

For the gums, check that they are wet and pink. Press a thumb on the gum until the color fades, release, and count how long the pink takes to return. Penn State says pale or dark red gums are abnormal and a veterinarian should be contacted.

Write the numbers down

Take readings at rest, at a similar time of day, away from feeding and work. Record the date, the time, the weather and how the horse was acting. Ordinary dated daily notes work for this in the PawLine app: keep the readings with your other notes on the horse, so you have a pattern to share with your vet.

Notes do not replace a call. If your horse seems unwell, or a reading is outside your horse's usual range, contact your veterinarian.

Questions about this guide

Is a pulse of 40 always a problem?

Penn State's table lists 28 to 44 beats per minute for a healthy resting adult horse, and says to learn your horse's own average. A reading outside your horse's usual range, or any reading alongside signs of illness, is a reason to call your veterinarian.

Can I take these right after a ride?

You can, but the numbers will be higher. Penn State notes that recently exercised horses have higher values, so take your baseline at rest.