HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 11) THE LEGS

Every owner should know their horse's legs. Every day before and after you ride you should palpate the legs from top to toe, to find any changes from previous examinations. Old injuries are unlikely to cause any issues, but if you know they are there, it can save you investigating the incorrect source of lameness,…

BylizzieAugust 15, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 10) MANURE

Your horse's manure can give you clues as to his overall condition. Droppings should be in firm, well-formed balls. Very loose droppings or low amounts of droppings are a cause for immediate concern and should prompt a call to your vet. Horses should pass droppings every 1-2 hours so if your horse suddenly starts to pass…

BylizzieAugust 15, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 9) BODY CONDITION SCORE

Looking at your horse's condition can tell you a lot about his health. Formally assessing body condition score may seem like a bit of schlepp when observation alone is so useful, but having an accurate assessment of your horse's weight, condition and fat distribution can be invaluable if ever your horse does fall sick. Often…

BylizzieAugust 14, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 8) GUT SOUNDS

You should be able to hear your horse's gut sounds as your horse digests his food by putting your ear to his abdomen. You need to do this on both sides of your horse. In a horse, these noises should be nearly constant, as horses are trickle feeders and therefore should be eating roughage like…

BylizzieAugust 13, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 7) RESPIRATORY RATE

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…

BylizzieAugust 13, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 6) HEART RATE

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…

BylizzieAugust 12, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 5) TEMPERATURE

Your horse's temperature should fall between 37.2 and 38.3 degrees Celsius. To check the temperature stand to the side of your horse's hindquarter and insert the thermometer into his rectum. Hold it in place until it has a reading, or beeps to indicate that it is finished measuring the temperature. It is advisable to have…

BylizzieAugust 12, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

ICE MAN STRETCH VIDEO 8

Check out this video of Camilla Lamb showing us the final recommended stretch for your horses in this series. Thank you to Ice man and the Lipizzaners for putting this series together for us. When you have watched the video, video yourselves trying the stretch with your horse. Send your video to hq@panorama.co.za and stand a…

BylizzieAugust 12, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 3) GUMS

Sticky gums are a sign that your horse is dehydrated, so make sure he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. If you struggle to get him to drink when at a show, try taking bottles of water from home. Some horses are very fussy about what water they drink, and can taste…

BylizzieAugust 10, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 2) CAPILLARY REFILL TIME

Capillary refill time sounds a tad technical for most of us, but in reality, it is a very basic test. The process involves pressing on your horse's gums until they go a white-ish colour. Then remove your finger and they should return to healthy salmon pink. If it takes more than two seconds for the…

BylizzieAugust 10, 20190Comments

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