How to Check Your Horse’s Temperature and Pulse Rate

Colts Neck, New Jersey-based Madison Leigh Gerhard attends Florida State University, where she studies psychology. A horse enthusiast, Madison Leigh Gerhard previously participated in horseback riding and equine care at Due Process Stables from 2015 to 2016.

A critical component of equine care is being able to check a horse’s vital signs to determine if the animal is not well. Veterinarians advise horse owners to take their horse’s vital signs when the animal is healthy to have a reference point of what is normal. In the event it is suspected the horse is unwell, the normal vital sign values recorded earlier can be compared to the new readings. Body temperature and pulse rate are two of the most important vital signs.

Taking a horse’s body temperature is most commonly carried out by inserting a thermometer into the horse’s anus and recording the temperature after the specified time required. A normal temperature reading for a horse ranges from 37 to 38.6 C.

To check a horse’s heart rate, first locate the animal's pulse by placing your fingertips on the artery located under the cheekbone. Press inwards and upwards next the inside edge of the lower jaw using your fingers. A normal pulse rate is from 30 to 40 beats per minute.