7-Step Daily Health Check for Horses

Horses, despite their large size and unmatched athleticism, can suffer from a variety of ailments. Some, like colic or a tendon injury, come on fast while others build up slowly over time and can go undetected until the problem becomes noticeable and severe. The best way to keep the horses in your care happy and healthy is to watch them closely and consistently so you can readily notice minute changes that indicate something is off. Performing a 7-step daily health check is a good way to evaluate your horse's condition and can help you spot the first signs of a problem.

The 7-Step Daily Health Check

The 7-step health check asks caretakers to evaluate seven areas that are most likely to be an early indication of something wrong.

Before performing a daily health check...

• Make sure the horse is calm

• Place them in a safe environment where they can be observed

• Be sure to perform a health check at the same time each day to avoid discrepancies

Step 1: Expression

Start by taking a look at your horse's general demeanor. If you know your horse well, their expression may be all you need to cue you into an internal problem. They should be calm, attentive, and alert without appearing high-strung or depressed. They should be holding their head at a normal height and not drooping toward the ground. Each horse's general demeanor will be different so it is important to know what is normal for your horse.

What to look for:

Calm, alert expression

Stance typical for the individual horse

Step 2: Eyes and Nose

After assessing their overall expression, take a closer look at their eyes and nose. The eyes should appear calm and alert and should not be watery or runny. The nostrils should be relaxed and clean. Make note of any discharge coming out of the eyes and nose. Excessive nasal discharge can be indicative of a respiratory infection.

What to look for:

Clear, clean eyes and nose free of discharge and irritation

Step 3: Skin and Hair

Next, it is time to take a look at the horse's body for any cuts, bumps, or scrapes. Horses that live in a group setting are prone to superficial cuts. A small dab of ointment can ensure they heal quickly and with minimal scarring. Running your hand over the horse's entire body can help you feel small bumps that may not be readily visible. Be on the lookout for rough patches, especially on the mane or tail. This can indicate excessive scratching from bug bites or allergies. Geldings sometimes rub their tail when they need their sheaths cleaned.

What to look for:

Small cuts, abrasions, and bumps that need to be addressed.

Step 4: Legs and Hooves

Despite their large size, horses' legs and hooves are relatively small and fragile and can suffer from a myriad of conditions. Every day, check each leg for swelling. Run your hand down the legs to feel for any bumps or heat. Watch the horse as they walk around for abnormalities in their gait. Pick out each hoof and check for signs of bruising or thrush. If your horse wears shoes, make sure the shoe is secure and in good condition.

What to look for:

Signs of swelling, heat, bumps, or cuts

Lameness

Strong and healthy hooves, shoes in good condition

Step 5: Apetitie

Horses are supposed to be continually eating all day so when a horse goes off their feed it usually indicates a problem. When you feed, make sure they show their regular eagerness to eat. Make note of any leftover hay or grain, especially if they normally clean everything up.

What to look for:

Individual's typical eagerness to eat

Minimal or no food left behind

Step 6: Hydration

Water is an essential nutrient needed to maintain health. Check water buckets every day and make note of how much water your horse drank. There will most likely be some disparities based on weather and exercise, so know what is normal for your horse. Additionally, check the cleanliness of the buckets. It's normal for horses to drop some hay and grain in their water, but an excessive amount or more than usual can indicate a dental problem.

What to look for:

Individual's typical water intake

No excessive food in the water bucket

Step 7: Manure

Checking a horse's manure is a good way to get insight into their gut health. Normal fecal balls should be well-defined and moist enough to retain their shape. Dry and flaking balls are a sign of dehydration while watery, loose manure can indicate an infection or upset to the gut.

What to look for:

Small, intact fecal balls

Make the 7-step daily health check a regular part of your routine so you can stay on top of your horse's health.