08/26/2026
Know their baseline 🩺🏇
Do you know what a horse’s body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate *should* be?
🌡️ Temperature: 99-101° F
To take a horse's temperature, stand safely beside the hindquarters, gently move the tail to the side, and insert a lubricated thermometer into the re**um.
🫀 Pulse: 28-40 beats per minute
To take a horse's heart rate, place a stethoscope on the left chest wall just behind the elbow, or feel the facial artery under the jawline.
🫁 Respiration: 8-16 breaths per minute
To take a horse's respiration rate, count the rise and fall of the flank or rib cage. One complete breath is one inhale and one exhale.
When you think your horse might be sick, one of the first things you can do is take their vital signs. If their vitals are out of the normal range, it’s time to call or text your vet.
👉 Tip: Save these TPR rates to your phone or write them down somewhere easy to find at the barn. Also, practice taking your horse’s vital signs so that you can measure their vitals easily in case of an emergency!
Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kaylynn Dunn | 770-744-4176
| 📍Cumming, GA