Fatigue is not confined to a horse who is blowing hard at the end of a session. It can appear much earlier, and far more subtley, as a loss of strength, coordination, consistency or willingness. What do we mean by fatigue? In ordinary equestrian conversation, we tend to recognise fatigue only at its most obvious: a…
Your horse's respiratory rate (number of breaths he takes per minute) should be between 10-24 breaths per minute. Just as with heart rate it will be affected by exercise or pain and discomfort. You can measure the respiratory rate by either watching the movement of his nostrils, or the movement of his flank as he…
The normal heart rate AT REST for your horse is 28-44 beats per minute. Just as with the human heart, it will increase during exercise. A vet uses a stethoscope just behind the girth area to listen to the pulse, and you can train yourself to do this. However, an easier alternative is to find…
