Horse owners will appreciate learning about pulse rates as a horse health indicator. Teaching them during an exam to monitor pulse is an excellent way for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to engage with them.
A horse at rest will typically have a pulse rate between 30 and 40 beats per minute. If a horse who hasn’t just finished exercising has a pulse rate of 50 beats per minute or higher, he may be ill or in pain, so it’s wise to consult a veterinarian.”
Source: EQUUS, May 5, 2022. Link.
Also see: Equine vital signs, AQHA, November 27, 2019. Link. To check a horse’s pulse, press your index or middle finger on the large artery that runs along the inside of the horse’s jaw. A horse’s normal pulse range is 30 to 42 beats per minute.
INSIGHTS: This basic skill offers young horse owners a way to be more involved in monitoring their horses’ health.