Because horses cannot speak, as owners, we sometimes have to guess if something is wrong with them, if they are sick or experiencing discomfort. It is important not to dismiss abnormal behavior as 'trying it out', 'not in the mood', 'rebellious' or 'messing around'. A horse does not make plans to annoy you. If it exhibits abnormal behavior, there is probably something wrong somewhere. In its body, its head, or its environment.

Measuring and writing down basic values

To get to know the basic values of your horse, you can measure and write down a few things for a couple of days in a row. For example, the body temperature at rest, resting heart rate, and respiration rate at rest. Repeat this every once in a while, so you also know how the basic values are in different seasons.

Body temperature

The normal body temperature for a horse is between 37.4 and 38.0 degrees Celsius. For young foals, it is slightly higher: between 38.5 and 39.5 degrees Celsius. You measure the body temperature rectally with a thermometer. Apply a little lubricant or udder cream to the thermometer to make insertion easier. It is wise to take temperatures a few times in the morning and a few times in the evening, as body temperature can vary. Note the normal variation for your horse and make sure you have it handy somewhere in the stable.

Respiration rate

You can observe your horse's breathing by standing next to the shoulder and looking towards the hindquarters. You will see your horse's flanks move back and forth. Each back-and-forth movement is one breath in and out. The normal respiration rate of a horse at rest is 8 to 14 of these 'breath cycles' per minute. Also, record this for your horse.

Resting heart rate

A horse at rest usually has a heart rate between 25 and 40 beats per minute. It does vary. Young foals and small ponies often have a slightly higher heart rate. Well-trained horses, like human athletes, often have a slightly lower resting heart rate. A horse under maximal load can even have a heart rate above 200! You can measure the heart rate with a stethoscope, or feel under the jaw. There is a thick vein you can press against the jawbone to measure the heart rate. This blood vessel is just on the inside where the jaw narrows.

Feces and urine

You can also see if your horse is feeling 'normal' based on its feces and urine. Urine should be light yellow. Dark urine is a sign of a problem with the liver or kidneys, for example. If there is blood in the urine, you should call the vet. Feces should be produced in fairly firm, fibrous, and shiny balls. If your horse has diarrhea, produces watery stool or very hard dry stool, then something is wrong. Check the diet and make sure your horse drinks enough. Always consult with your vet immediately in case of colic!

Nose and airways

The nose should be clean, without any discharge. After heavy exertion, you may see some clear or whitish mucus without needing to worry immediately. However, be aware: yellow or green discharge is always a cause for concern! A horse should not cough. An occasional cough may be ignored, but frequent coughing is often a sign that something is wrong. Many horses are in an environment that is too dusty, or where too much ammonia is released. This can cause irritation of the airways. Ensure a fresh stable with adequate ventilation, but no drafts.

Mucous membranes

After checking the nose, you can move on to checking the mucous membranes. Healthy mucous membranes are light pink, smooth, and slightly moist. If there is irritation, wounds, yellow, purple, or too light color of the mucous membranes, it is important to contact a vet. Irritation or wounds can be caused by an allergy, but may also have underlying problems. Yellow mucous membranes are a symptom of liver problems. Purple/blue mucous membranes are related to oxygen deficiency, and too light mucous membranes may indicate anemia. Therefore, immediately seek help when your horse has different colored mucous membranes.

Turgor

Turgor is basically the resilience of cells and skin. When turgor is insufficient, the horse is dehydrated. You can check this by pinching a skin fold on the neck and releasing it. If the skin fold springs back to normal within 1 second, then turgor is good. If it does not, contact the vet.

Muscles and tendons

Ideally, your horse will have nice dry tendons without swellings and its muscles can be easily depressed because they are soft and supple. The day after a training session, you may feel that some muscles are harder. A gentle recovery training may be needed, or some free movement and extra rest. Make it a habit to feel your horse's muscles and tendons every day while grooming. This way, you will always know how they are doing.

Blood tests

Many horses competing at higher levels in sports, or participating in more demanding sports such as eventing, endurance, or combined driving, undergo standard blood tests twice a year. These tests look at the status of various vitamins and minerals, as well as muscle values. For horses under a lot of stress, or where you are unsure of their well-being, a blood test can be enlightening. Even if it is just to know what is 'normal' for your horse.

Pain signals

You can also keep track of the pain signals your horse shows. For this, you can use the handy EPWA App that has been developed with the help of researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. Horses in pain tense certain facial muscles. The app helps you recognize this 'pain face' and keep track of your horse's well-being.

Behavior

Every horse also has its own 'basic values' when it comes to behavior. For example, how it reacts when being brought in, saddled, or during training. If there is a relatively sudden change in any of these behaviors, an alarm bell should also go off for you. Is your horse suddenly grumpy while saddling, for example? Or suddenly very spooky? Then look further. Does your saddle still fit? Has there been a change in feed policy? Could your horse be in pain somewhere? Has there been a change in the herd?

Conclusion: Know your horse!

It is important to know the basic values of your horse. Therefore, write down what its normal body temperature, respiration rate, and resting heart rate are. If your horse is ill, a vet will find this information very useful. Make a simple check of things like feces, nasal discharge, muscles, and tendons part of your daily routine. This way, you can detect and address any changes and problems much earlier. When in doubt, always contact the vet. Also, trust your instincts. If something doesn't seem right, check the values, observe your horse, and consult with a vet.