Horse health
Normal Temperature, Pulse and Respiration in Horses
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In a resting adult horse, normal body temperature is 37.2 to 38.3°C, pulse is 28 to 44 beats per minute, and respiration is 10 to 24 breaths per minute.
When checking a horse's condition, the first numbers to look at are body temperature, pulse and respiratory rate. The normal ranges for a resting adult horse are as follows.
- Body temperature: 37.2 to 38.3°C
- Pulse: 28 to 44 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 10 to 24 breaths per minute
To take the pulse, count the beats for 15 seconds at the artery that crosses the bone under the jaw, then multiply by 4. To count respiration, watch the flank move in and out.
Each horse's usual values differ slightly, so it is important to know them when the horse is healthy. If the numbers fall outside the normal range while the horse is at rest, contact a veterinarian.