Finding the Pulse in Horses

A mature horse’s heart beats about 36 to 42 times per minute when the animal is calm and at rest. This number varies widely due to excitement, pain, health status, age, and other factors. It’s a good idea to take your horse’s pulse several times in a settled setting to know what his normal rate is.

One of the easiest places to feel the pulse is under the jaw. With your thumb on the outside of the lower cheek, lay your fingers in under the jawbone and press them up and back toward your thumb. You should be able to feel a slow, steady pulse. To locate the pulse, you may have to move your fingers or change the amount of pressure you are using.

Once you find a spot where you can feel the pulse, use a watch and count the beats for 30 seconds, then multiply by two to determine beats per minute.

It’s harder to get a reliable count if the horse is chewing, shaking his head, or trying to pull away. If you can count for only 15 seconds, multiply that number by 4 for the beats per minute.

An elevated heart rate or beats that are irregular may be signs of a problem. Consult with a veterinarian to find out whether your horse needs a health examination.