Tracking Vital Signs in Horses

October 8, 2025

When living with horses, grooming and monitoring basic vital signs are essential to their care and wellness.

I currently have 12 equine residents - six Friesians, a Fell pony, and five donkeys. Caring for them is a huge responsibility, but it brings me great joy to see that they are happy and in the best possible health. Temperature, pulse, and respiration are three basic physiological parameters that can be monitored and recorded on a regular basis. My stable manager, Helen Peparo, records each animal's vital signs once a month.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: I take very good care of all my horses. They are seen regularly by a veterinarian, an equine dentist, and the farrier. I also make sure they are well monitored in between check-ups – this means keeping track of their normal behaviors and vital signs.

: Knowing what is usual behavior for a horse and taking a horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiration, or TPR, regularly can provide valuable information about its general state of well-being. It’s a quick and easy way to determine how the animal is feeling.

: My horses are in great health and get ample exercise and mental stimulation every day.

: Helen keeps a binder for each animal so she can record all the important health information in one place.

: There is a page specifically meant to record TPR, which is done once a month for every horse, pony, and donkey. It is important to do this regularly to determine what is normal. At the bottom of this page, Helen indicates the normal ranges for horses.

: This page is for any special medications – my horses are not on any.

: On “TPR” day, Helen takes out the health binders and tools to check all the horses’ vitals.

: First, each horse’s weight is taken. Equine weight tapes can be used to obtain an approximate weight by measuring the heart girth or barrel.

: In order to take a horse’s heart rate, Helen stands on one side and places the drum of a stethoscope on the horse’s chest just under the elbow. Helen counts the number of full beats for 30-seconds then multiplies the number by two for the rate per minute. The normal pulse for an average sized adult horse is about 32.

: Next, Helen stands a few feet away and watches the ribcage rising and falling. A cycle of one rise and one fall of the ribcage constitutes one breath. Helen multiplies the number of breaths the horse takes over 30 seconds and doubles the amount to obtain a respiration – the number of breaths per minute. The respiration rate for a horse at rest is around 12 to 15 breaths per minute.

: She goes around the stable and also checks the donkeys. Truman “TJ” Junior is one of my male donkeys, also referred to as a “jack.” His heart rate is within the desired range.

: Taking the temperature is another step in the TPR process. Helen uses a digital thermometer. His temperature is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well within the normal range for adult donkeys, horses, and ponies.

: Helen checks TJ’s gums. Mucous membrane color can be a quick indicator of a horse’s health. The gums should be a pink to pale pink color and moist to the touch. To take his capillary refill time, or CRT, Helen lifts the donkey’s lips, presses a finger firmly against the gums, and then takes it away. She counts the number of seconds it takes for the color to return to the area. It should come back quickly – and TJ’s did.

: After the male donkeys are done, it’s time to go next door to see the girls, or “jennies.” Billie and Jude “JJ” Junior are just in the stall next door. Donkeys are very attached to others in their herd, so it’s important to keep them close.

: Here, their approximate weight is taken using the tape.

: TJ watches from his stall gate. Donkeys are very curious.

: And everything is documented right away in their assigned binders.

: My horses are also groomed every day. Here’s my handsome Frisian, Geert, secured in the stable aisle ready for a thorough brushing.

: This is Bond. Daily grooming not only keeps them clean and comfortable, but it is a good way to check on the horse’s general health and well-being, the health of the skin and coat, and any other possible abnormalities.

: Here, Helen brushes the horses legs and feet. They are also wiped clean to feel for any bumps or lumps that may need special attention, as well as heat or swelling, which may indicate an injury. All of them are healthy and doing well.