Hydration and Normal Vitals Log
Record what you observe and learn what is normal for this horse. This log highlights change; it does not diagnose illness, dehydration, colic, laminitis or infection.
Severe symptoms outrank this form.
A horse with severe pain, breathing difficulty, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, neurologic signs, a serious eye injury, or a wound over a joint needs veterinary attention regardless of what this tool shows.
Normal adult horse ranges are a comparison, not a diagnosis.
| Observation | Displayed resting reference |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 99 to 101.5°F / 37.2 to 38.6°C |
| Heart rate | 28 to 44 beats/minute |
| Respiratory rate | 10 to 24 breaths/minute |
| Capillary refill | 1 to 2 seconds |
| Skin return | 1 to 3 seconds |
| Gums | Wet, pink and shiny |
After exercise or during recovery, temperature, heart rate and breathing can be higher than resting values. This tool does not apply resting flags to those contexts. Follow the recovery plan your veterinarian or trainer gave you.
An individual horse’s normal baseline matters. Recheck a surprising measurement and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned. A horse with severe symptoms needs veterinary attention regardless of what this tool shows.
Trends by horse
Record, compare, then use judgment.
- Practice when the horse is healthy and resting so you learn a safe, repeatable method.
- Record the context. Do not compare the first minute after work with a quiet resting baseline.
- Look at the whole horse: appetite, attitude, manure, water, gums and movement matter alongside numbers.
- Share the printable record with your veterinarian; do not use it to delay a call.
Sources
- Penn State Extension: How to Take Your Horse’s Vital Signs
- UC Davis California Veterinary Emergency Team: Normal Vital Signs
- University of Minnesota Extension: Basic horse first aid and emergencies
Guidance last reviewed August 24, 2026.