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All
horse owners should know the basics of a horse. The more you know,
the better prepared you will be when something goes wrong. No one should go into horse ownership without some general information regarding anatomy, physical stats,
and mental states of the horse. Knowing these things will help you
better understand what your horse is trying to tell you. Keep all
information you collect in a specific folder for each horse. It
might be a good idea to store these folders with your first-aid
kit.
Know
your Horse Physically:
1.
Check your horse's heart and pulse rate. Do this while your horse
is healthy, (do it a few times to make sure you are accurate).
When you suspect your horse is sick, finding that the pulse rate
is not at it's normal range can be a good indicator to confirm
your suspicions. Normal rates can vary between breeds, ages,
and weights of a horse. On the average, a normal rate ranges
between 30 - 42 beets per minute. When taking the pulse, make sure
your horse is calm. Place a finger on the artery underneath the
lower jaw.
2.
Check your horse's respiration rate. Normal respiration rate is
between 8-14 breaths per minute.
3.
Check your horse's temperature. Tip: Keep a good grip on the thermometer
when taking the temperature rectally as the thermometer may get
sucked inside the horse. You can use a normal household
thermometer, however, I have seen people use a thermometer that is
5" long with a ring tied to a cord on the end in the event
that the horse does suck up the thermometer. Shake the mercury
below 99.5 degrees F. Cover the thermometer with a lubricant
(petroleum jelly). If you are right handed, stand on the left side
of the horse, use your left hand to move the tail out of your way,
and insert the thermometer with your right hand and hold securely
for two minutes. Normal temperature is between 99.5 degrees F
(37.7C) and 101.5 degrees F (38.6C). If the temperature is outside
of this range, it is a good possibility your horse might have an
infection or disease.
4.
Know your horses weight. Take your horse and horse trailer to the
local truck weigh stop or land fill. Weigh your trailer
empty, and then with your horse inside and take the difference
between the two weights.
5.
Keep your horses age, breed, height, weight, heart rate,
respiratory rate, normal temperature, diet, medical history,
worming schedules, etc. in an organized notebook. Keep track of
the date anytime you enter or edit information.
Know
Your Horse's Emotions and Personality:
1.
What is your horse's temperament?
2.
Observe your horse's habits. (playing, eating, how often he
relieves himself, resting)
3.
Learn to read your horses facial expressions and what they
indicate.
4.
Is your horse normally laid back or high strung?
5.
Is your horse normally easy to spook?
If
you keep these things in mind, you should be able to tell when
something unusual is going on with your horse and when it is time
to call the vet.
For
tips on knowing when to call you vet, visit our Horse
and Human First Aid page.
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