The normal resting body temperature for an adult horse typically ranges from 99.5°F to 101.5°F (37.5°C to 38.6°C). Foals often have slightly higher normal resting temperatures, usually ranging from 100°F to 102°F (37.8°C to 38.9°C). 
Key Factors
  • Time of day: Temperatures are naturally lower in the morning and slightly higher in the evening.
  • Ambient weather: Hot weather and high humidity can cause a slight rise in a resting horse’s temperature.
  • Activity level: Exercise, excitement, or digestion can temporarily elevate readings above the baseline rest range.
Monitoring Tips
  • Baseline tracking: Take your horse’s temperature when they are calm and healthy to know their specific normal range.
  • Measurement method: Use a digital rectal thermometer lubricated with petroleum jelly for an accurate reading.

Measuring Temperature, Pulse, & Respiration What’s Normal for My Horse?

Taking your horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiration can provide valuable information about a horse’s general state of well-being. It’s a quick and easy way to determine how your horse is feeling. The next time you speak to your veterinarian about a horse health concern, providing this simple data will be very helpful.

Temperature

It is important to take your horse’s body temperature periodically to determine what is normal for him/her. Veterinary thermometers are easy to find and inexpensive to purchase. Digital or mercury thermometers will both work.

Keep a small supply of petroleum jelly or other lubricant and spread a light layer along the lower half of the thermometer. While standing beside the horse’s hind end and out of the way of a potential kick, carefully grasp the base of the tail and lift it to the side. Then, very gently, insert the thermometer into the horse’s rectum. Do not force the thermometer into the rectum! Continue to hold the thermometer securely to prevent it from going too far or falling down to the ground (see Figure 2). Leave the thermometer in place until an audible signal sounds (digital models) or for 2–3 minutes (mercury thermometers). Read the temperature. If it falls between 99–101°F, your horse is in normal range.

If your horse has been at rest before the temperature was taken and the temperature is higher (or lower) than 99–101°F, call your veterinarian immediately. Note that it is normal for a horse’s temperature to rise during and immediately after exercise, but it should return to normal fairly quickly.

Pulse

Pulse is a measure of heart rate. Before taking a pulse, have a watch, stopwatch, or smart phone with a timer handy so you can keep track of seconds while counting heartbeats.

An easy way to feel a horse’s pulse is by placing your fingers (not thumbs!) under the bottom jawbone, toward the neck and under the cheek (see Figure 3). You should feel a large vein-like structure that moves around—the vein will feel like a small pencil or string under the skin. Its exact placement will differ from horse to horse, but is always in the same general area. Apply gentle pressure so that you can feel the “bounce” or pulsation of blood within the vein. Once you find the pulse, start the stopwatch. Count the pulse for 15 seconds, then multiply the number you get by 4. (Example: I counted 12 beats in 15 seconds. 12 x 4 = 48. So the heart is beating approximately 48 times per minute.)