Signs of a Healthy Horse

Now you know how to tell if your horse might be sick, but do you know how to tell if your horse is healthy and thriving? Use these guidelines to check and see if your horse is thriving.  If your horse is healthy and thriving and being well cared for then your horse will:

• Eat all the food that it’s given.
• Drink regularly.
• Have a pleasant disposition.
• Have a shiny, soft coat.
• Have a glossy mane and tail.
• Not object to being handled or petted.
• Stand straight with weight on all four legs.
• Have energy and be interested in the world around it.
• Not pant or breathe hard after normal exercise.
• Not act lethargic or sluggish.
• Not be too fat or too thin.  You should not be able to see the horse’s ribs but you should be able to feel them when you run your hand over the horse’s side. That is a healthy weight.
• Not bang at the stall door with its hooves.
• Not pace in the stall.
• Have bright eyes.
• Have even, well shaped hooves.
• Have normal heart rate and perspiration.

Everyone wants to have a happy, healthy horse that is thriving so if your horse shows these signs then you should be proud of yourself because you are taking good care of your horse.