How to Know What is Normal for a Horse

Establishing what is normal for a horse can help you determine if your horse is sick or needs other attention. Noticing things that seem out of the ordinary can help you keep your horse healthy and alive. Inexperienced horse owners may benefit from spending time around horses and studying up on health issues.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn about horses by reading up on horse-care books and talking to other horse enthusiasts. Keeping a good reference manual on hand can also be helpful if you think your horse is acting abnormally or showing signs of sickness. Cultivate a relationship with a local vet so he will know about your horse and any previous problems.
2. Get to know your horse. All animals have their own quirks, so one of the easiest ways to tell if something is up is to know what is normal for your horse. Spend time observing your horse in normal circumstances and see how she reacts to various stimuli. Knowing that your horse rarely lies down, for example, could indicate that you need help if he suddenly won't get up.
3. Look over your horse regularly for signs of problems. Check for signs of illness or problems, and make sure that all equipment is fitting correctly and is in good shape.
4. Check your horse's temperature and heart rate if you think there may be a problem. Normal temperature for adult horses is around 99.5 to 101.4 degrees, and a normal heart rate is 26-40 beats per minute. Deviations from these numbers can indicate that something is wrong.
5. Watch to see if your horse is eating and drinking. A sick horse or one in pain often stops eating or has changes in appetite. If you notice this happening, check the horse's vital signs, and keep an eye out for developing problems.
6. Consult with other horse owners if you think there may be a problem, but it's not life threatening. Experienced horse owners may be able to help you overcome small problems with the horse. Try online forums dedicated to horse owners or talk to local people with horse experience.
7. Call a veterinarian if you think your horse is sick or injured. Delaying treatment on serious issues can lead to death, so it's generally better to be safe than sorry.