For the latest news, opinions, research and happenings in the equine medical world, visit the AAEPs website for horse owners, www.myhorsematters.com.

Normal Vital Signs of the Adult Horse

Temperature - 100.5ºF
Pulse - 36-40 beats per minute
Respiration - 12-16 breaths per minute
Capillary Refill Time - less than 2 seconds
Mucous Membranes - pale pink

We recommend that the horse owner become familiar with the normal parameters of their horse and learn how to properly check vital signs. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to properly take your horse's temperature, pulse and respiration, and check capillary refill time and mucous membranes. In the event of an illness or emergency, this information will enable you to give your veterinarian a more complete medical history and profile. After learning the protocol, practice taking your horse's vital statistics regularly so that you will be fully prepared and comfortable taking vitals in an emergency situation.

Educational Opportunities

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital conducts various education seminars for horse owners throughout the year, including our Annual Client Seminar in January and the Rood & Riddle Educational Event at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. Rood & Riddle seminars will be posted in the Events section of this website. For additional listings of educational opportunities throughout the country, go to the AAEP's www.myhorsematters.com.

Equine First Aid Kit

In the event of illness, injury, or emergency, the horse owner should be prepared to care for their horse until the veterinarian arrives. We suggest every horse owner have at least one Equine First Aid Kit. For owners who frequently compete or trailer away from home with their horse, we suggest keeping two kits on hand, one in your tack room and one in your trailer so that you will have one available wherever you are with your horse. Your veterinarian can assist you in assembling your equine first aid kit and advise you on how to customize the kit to your horse's needs.

Rood & Riddle suggests the following items for your Equine First Aid Kit: