Monitoring Horse Pulse Essential for Health

Horse owners can gain important insights into their horse's health and fitness by monitoring its pulse. This process may be more challenging than checking a human pulse, but it can be mastered with practice.

The best location for taking a horse's pulse is the facial artery, which is located beneath the jaw, about an inch behind the junction of the cheek and the jawbone. To effectively amplify the pulse for detection, it is recommended to apply pressure with the index finger as firmly as possible, with less pressure from the middle finger, and the lightest from the ring finger. To measure the pulse, use a wristwatch to count the number of blood surges felt in 30 seconds and then double that number. At rest, a horse normally has a pulse rate ranging from 30 to 40 beats per minute.

A pulse rate of 50 beats per minute or higher in a horse that hasn't just exercised could indicate illness or pain, so consulting a veterinarian is advisable. Post-exercise, a horse's pulse can reach between 120 and 150 beats per minute or higher.

A horse is typically deemed fit if its pulse returns to 70 beats per minute within 10 minutes of stopping intense activity and below 60 beats per minute 10 minutes after moderate exercise.