Taking your horse, pony, donkey, or mule’s heart rate or pulse is a basic health parameter. In this video, Christine Johnson, DVM, will show you how to take this parameter in several locations on your horse.

(Editor’s note: The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)

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A normal heart rate for a healthy, adult horse ranges from 24 to 88 beats per minute. Elevation in heart rate above this might indicate discomfort in the animal.

Taking the Heart Rate with a Stethoscope

To take a horse’s heart rate with a stethoscope, locate the point of the elbow on the horse’s left side. Place the stethoscope between the elbow and the thorax.

Listen for a heart sound. It sounds like ‘lub-dub,’ which is one beat. Listen for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get heart beats per minute.

Facial Artery

If you don’t have a stethoscope, you can get your horse’s pulse rate using the facial artery.

The artery is under the jaw bone. Use your fingers to feel the ‘beats’ for 15 seconds and multiply by four to get beats per minute.

Digital Pulse

Assessing the digital pulse can help you determine if there is any inflammation or discomfort in the foot.

Gently place your fingers over either side of the fetlock over the vascular bundle. Palpate for the pulse. Count beats like you did with the facial artery.

You can compare the digital pulse with the opposite limb to see if there is an increase in the pressure of the pulse. This is known as a ‘bounding’ digital pulse.

Knowing your horse’s normal digital pulse can help you determine if there is anything going on in the foot, such as early laminitis or an abscess. Talk to your veterinarian if you feel an increase in pulse rate or pressure.

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