Signs of a Healthy Horse

We all want our horses to be healthy and to ensure you know what your horse looks like when he is healthy you will need to spend as much time with him as possible. As you spend time with your horse or horses, you will soon learn their different personalities. Each horse has his own unique quirks and habits. Through these you will be able to determine if yor horse is a little tired, worn-out, depressed or sickly. Horses have good days and bad days, so don’t be too concerned when he is not as chipper as he usually is. However, you will also be able to tell when he is really sick.

A healthy horse will stand on all fours. If they are feeling a little tired, then they will rest a hind foot and take a little nap. When they are really tired, they may lie completely down. Most horses will not do this unless they feel absolutely safe where they are. A horse will never rest a front foot. If your horse is resting a front foot then he is in some sort of pain.

A healthy horse will have a nice shiny coat that lies down smoothly. The eye’s will be wide open and the inside of the eye will be of a salmon pink. The gums and nostrils will be a similar shade of pink. If you rub your hands down their legs regularly, you will be able to detect heat or abnormalities easily. You will also be able to compare the horse’s legs.

A healthy horse will always want to eat. Feeding time is every horse’s favorite time of day. They will greet you happily and meat you at their feeder. A helahty horse is always ready to eat.

The horse’s skin should be moist without being sweaty. They should breathe quitely when at rest and their pulse should be even and steady. Young horses may have faster pulses, while an older horse may have a slower pulse. Stallions often have slower pulses than mares and geldings.

On the flip side of things, you will also notice when a horse is sick by these symptoms:

Lying down at odd times
Lying in odd positions
Excessive rolling
Sitting on their back legs or feet
Dark red membranes
Pale or yellow membranes
Blue-red membranes (May be a sign of a circulation or heart issue)
Tight skin
Sweaty skin
Loud and labored breathing
Won’t want to eat

Most sick horses are noticed around feeding times. If you board your horse it is always a good idea to check your horse’s neighbors to ensure everyone looks and seems happy and healthy.