If horses could talk

When you walk into the barn or look out to the pasture, you often know right away what’s going on. More often than not your horse will be exited to see you, but – just like people – horses sometimes have a bad day. However, every so often you wonder if there might be something else going on. Unfortunately you cannot ask your horse what’s wrong, but his body language often tells you enough.

Here is a checklist to see if your horse is healthy

What is your horse telling you?
Learn how to take a close look at your horse and recognize the signals he gives you. Is he healthy?
Take a look at the signs of a healthy horse

Good, healthy teeth
Salmon-pink gums
A shiny coat
Clear eyes
Attentive ears
Shiny, compact manure droppings
A body temperature between 37 – 38 ° Celsius (99.5 - 101.5 ° Fahrenheit)
Respiration frequency of 8 to14 times per minute
A heart rate of 25 to 50 times per minute
Sufficient appetite in food and water
A dry and clean stall bedding, that isn’t in a state of disarray