How do I take and record my horse’s vital signs?
Short answer
Every horse owner should know how to take temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) and record baseline values when their horse is healthy. Baselines make it easier to recognize early changes and provide clear information to your veterinarian.
Normal resting adult ranges:
Temperature: 98.6–101.3°F (37.0–38.5°C)
Heart Rate (Pulse): 32–44 beats per minute
Respiration Rate: 8–16 breaths per minute
Capillary Refill Time (CRT): Under 2 seconds
Gut Sounds: Present in all four abdominal quadrants
(Foals normally run higher.)
Real-Life Example
A horse seems slightly off, maybe they’re quieter than normal or didn’t finish their feed as usual. Their temp is 102.3°F with a heart rate of 52 bpm at rest, then it’s worth a call to the vet who can more quickly assess the situation when provided this information as well as the horse’s baseline vitals.
How to Take Them
Temperature:
Use a lubricated digital rectal thermometer. Stand safely to the side of the hindquarters. Record immediately.
Pulse (Heart Rate):
Feel the facial artery under the jaw or use a stethoscope behind the left elbow. Count heart beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four.
Respiration:
Watch the flank rise and fall. One inhale + one exhale = one breath. Count for breathing for 30 seconds then multiply by two.
Capillary Refill Time (CRT):
Press the gum until it blanches white. Color should return within 1–2 seconds.
Take vitals when your horse is calm and at rest to establish a true baseline.
Here’s a thorough video explaining how to take vitals from SmartPack!
Recording & Sharing Vitals
It’s important to have your vitals recorded in an easily accessible place. We created a Master Plan Sheet designed for barns of all sizes; meant to be easy to update, print, keep at the barn, and share with your vet or staff. Record as much or as little information as you’d like, from basic TPR, to notes about behavior, feed intake, medications, or any recent notable changes.
It Depends
Some factors that can influence vitals to vary from your horse’s baseline are:
• Exercise - may elevate pulse and respiration
• Heat, humidity or dehydration
• Environmental changes or various external stressors
• Illnesses - weakened immune states, systemic inflammation, acute pain from injuries etc.
Your horse’s normal may sit slightly higher or lower within standard ranges, which is why it’s important to have a baseline recorded at a state of rest.
When to Call Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian if:
• Temperature is above 101.3°F at rest
• Heart rate remains elevated or excessive sweating occurs at rest
• No gut sounds are heard
• CRT exceeds 2 seconds
• Your horse appears uncomfortable AND vitals are abnormal
If unsure, call the non-emergency line, because early communication is always safer than delayed intervention.
Sources:
Merck Veterinary Manual - (Equine Normal Clinical Parameters)
Greene, Elizabeth & Mastellar, Sara. (2022). Educating horse owners to assess vital signs and other health parameters.
