It is important to be familiar with the signs of good health, so that any illness or abnormality can be detected in the early stages. A healthy horse or pony should have:

• a bright, alert attitude, with pricked ears taking an interest in their surroundings,
• a good appetite,
• a shiny coat with healthy skin that is loose and supple,
• clear, bright eyes with no discharge,
• clean nostrils (a small amount of watery discharge is normal),
• good condition without being fat,
• droppings that are passed regularly and are not too loose or too firm,
• a body temperature of between 37 and 38.5º C (98.5-100.5º F),
• a pulse rate of 28-42 beats per minute,
• a respiration rate of 8-16 breaths per minute. The horse’s breathing movements should be smooth and relaxed,
• moist and salmon pink-coloured mucous membranes.

Since every horse is unique, it is important to know what is normal for your own horse. For example, horses will often have an increased pulse and respiratory rate if they are excited. If you have any doubts about your horse’s health, the best person to consult is your vet.
How to contact your vet

The reception team is always available to help you during office hours (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm) on 01622 813700.

If you have an emergency at any other time, please still call the office on the usual number 01622 813700. Press 1 to have your call diverted directly to our dedicated out of hours service who will contact the duty vet for you.

Please stay by the phone and one of our vets will ring you back within 10 minutes. Try to keep the line clear until we contact you. If the vet does not call you within 10 minutes, please call 01622 813700 again and the on call service will contact the vet again.

Emergencies include choke, colic, problems with foalings, injuries and large wounds, severe lameness and any other condition when your horse is in acute pain. If you are unsure at the time, then please ask us.

Temperature: 37-38.5 °C (98.5 - 101.3°F)

The best way to take your horse's temperature is rectally with a digital thermometer, although you can also use a mercury thermometer (but don't forget to shake it first!). 

It is a good idea to take a baseline temperature when your horse is relaxed, with either someone holding the horse or with the horse tied up. Ensure that your thermometer is lubricated and then, if you are right handed, it is easiest to stand on the left hand side of the horse, with your shoulder touching its rump. Use your left hand to gently lift the tail so you can use your right hand to gently guide the end of the thermometer a couple of inches inside the anus, so that you can still see the digital screen. Continue holding the thermometer and tail until you have a reading, then carefully remove the thermometer.

The ideal would be to get a rapid '10 second reading' thermometer, which makes the whole process easier.

Heart Rate: 32-44 beats per minute

The easiest place to take your horse's heart rate is the mandibular artery, just under the jaw.

You will need to have your horse quiet, still and not eating. Put your fingers on the inside of your horse's nearest jawbone and feel for a cord-like structure which you will feel beating. You should count the number of beats a 15 second time period, then multiply by 4 to get the number of beats in 60 seconds (which will give you the number of beats per minute). You should repeat this 3 times to get an average.

Another place you can take your horse's heart rate is the digital pulse taken from the artery that runs down either sied of the back of your horse's fetlock and pastern.  Although in this location it is more useful to know the strength of the pulse. 

Respiratory Rate: 8-14 breathes per minute

A horse's respiratory rate is the number of breaths taken in one minute. You can measure respiratory rate by watching the flank and rib cage, counting how many times it rises and falls in 15 seconds, then multiplying that number by 4 to get the number of breaths in 60 seconds, giving you the horse's breaths per minute rate. As with heart rate, you should repeat this 3 times to get an average.

Watching the nostrils is less accurate as they can twitch and move with smelling. If you have a stethoscope, you can also listen to the trachea on the underside of the neck.

We would very much recomend everyone having a first aid box on their yard with the following content:

• digital thermometer
• primary dressings of varying sizes and amounts - eg melonin or rondopad
• soffban and cotton wool for padding x 2
• coflex or vetwrap x 2
• poultice
• duct tape
• hibiscrub - make sure use in diluted format, we recommend using 1 part hibiscrub to 10 parts water
• swabs
• latex gloves
• emergency contact details for BELL EQUINE 01622 813700

Extras:

• cool packs
• saline eye wash
• scissors