This horse has plenty of lumps and bumps, not to mention a few scars on his back legs but he is sound and, for him, these legs are normal
Before you can really know how healthy your horse is or isn’t you must be familiar with his usual general health and get to know all the lumps and bumps he may have, taking special note of his legs. Some horses may have a leg which is slightly more filled than the others for no apparent reason – it is just the way they are. If you are familiar with his ‘normal legs’ you will immediately know if there is any new heat, swelling or lumps.
Health indicators (at rest)
Heart rate (pulse) 30-60 per minute (average 40)
Respiration 8-15 breaths per minute
Temperature 37-38.5°C
How do I know if something is wrong?
The following symptoms are a good indication that something is wrong with your horse;
He is not his normal self for example he is dull and listless when he is usually bright and bubbly
He is off his feed
He is lame
He is ‘just off’, in other words he is not lame, but not quite sound
He doesn’t feel quite right when you ride him (maybe not as free moving as normal)
Lameness and discovering the problems
The reason for a lame horse can be fairly apparent in the example of a cut leg but when there are no obvious signs of lameness start at the foot and work upwards;
Watch the horse
Get someone to walk the horse for a few steps, then trot going away from you and then turn around and trot towards you in a straight line. In the case of a front leg, as the lame leg hits the ground the horse will raise his head. In the case of a back leg watch the horse trot away from you the hip of the lame leg will usually be lifted higher than the good leg, or the hip may be swung out a little.
A trot up doesnt have to just be at a smart three day event. Trotting your horse up once a week will give you an indication of how he normally looks and will help you tell if there is a problem.
Heat
Once you have discovered the lame leg, try to locate the problem working from the foot upwards – more often something in the foot area is the cause of lameness. Check for heat with your hand on the front of the hoof. Using the same hand to avoid any variation in your own body temperature, check the other foot for a comparison.
Pulse
Check for a pulse at the back of the pastern or bulb of the heel. To do this place your thumb on one side and two fingers on the other side just below the fetlock. Slide your hand down until you are just above the heel and can feel the pulse.
Is there a strong pulse?
This could mean infection. Check the other foot for a comparison.
Ask your blacksmith to test the sole of the hoof with hoof testers. If the horse reacts to pressure he could have a bruised sole.
Pain
Does the horse react to your hand as you run it over his leg? Remember that horses, like humans, have different pain thresholds and this is where knowing your horse will help.
Swelling
Look at the leg for any swelling. Work your way up the leg feeling from anything abnormal (as per photo below). Swelling between the knee and fetlock could mean tendon damage, which can be serious (strained tendon) or it could be a simple knock on the leg, which has caused some bruising. Either way a vet should be contacted to confirm the diagnosis and suggest a treatment.
