16/10/2026
🐴🩺 Would you recognise the early signs that your horse isn’t feeling well?
Horses can’t tell us when something is wrong, but they can give us clues.
And sometimes, it’s the small changes that are the most important.
As horse owners and carers, understanding what’s normal for our individual horse can help us recognise when something needs attention.
💙 Here are five things worth checking regularly:
🐴 1. Appetite and drinking
Has your horse suddenly gone off their feed? Are they drinking more or less than usual? Changes in eating and drinking habits can be an early warning sign.
🐴 2. Behaviour and attitude
Is your usually friendly horse unusually quiet, withdrawn or irritable? Changes in behaviour can indicate pain, illness or discomfort.
🐴 3. Droppings and urination
Are they passing their usual amount of droppings? Have you noticed changes in consistency or frequency? Reduced droppings can be particularly concerning.
🐴 4. Temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR)
Do you know your horse’s normal readings?
Being familiar with their usual temperature, heart rate and breathing rate can help you recognise when something isn’t right.
🐴 5. Movement and posture
Are they moving comfortably? Are they reluctant to walk, shifting their weight or standing differently from normal?
Changes in posture or movement can be important indicators of pain or illness.
💙 Knowing what’s normal makes it easier to recognise what’s not.
You don’t need to be a veterinary professional to develop good observation skills, but you do need to know when to seek veterinary advice.
If your horse shows signs of colic, significant pain, breathing difficulties or sudden severe lameness, contact your vet promptly rather than waiting to see if things improve.
At Equine Distance Learning, our Horse Health course helps learners develop their understanding of equine health, common conditions and recognising potential problems.
Whether you’re a horse owner, parent supporting a horse-loving child or working towards equine qualifications, it’s knowledge that can make a real difference.
🌐 www.equinedistancelearning.com
💬 Do you regularly check your horse’s temperature, pulse and respiration, or is it something you’d like to feel more confident doing?
