Vital Signs
What’s a horse’s normal temperature range?
99–101°F
Name two signs of a healthy horse.
Any two: Bright eyes, shiny coat, normal appetite, alert ears
Why do we wrap a horse’s leg? One answer OK
Protect wounds or provide support. Also correct is to reduce swelling
Small scrape, horse calm and walking fine. What do you do?
Not an emergency (photograph, clean and monitor)
What’s vet wrap used for? (2)
Bandaging and support
How many beats per minute is a normal heart rate?
28–44 bpm
What’s two sign of colic?
Any two: Rolling, kicking at belly, not eating, looking/biting at flank, no gut sounds, not pooping
Should you wrap up or down the leg first?
Downward first, then upward
Horse won’t eat or drink. What could this mean?
Emergency — could indicate illness or colic
What’s a thermometer used for?
Checking temperature
Where can you feel a horse’s pulse?
Under the jaw or behind the elbow
A horse is standing with droopy ears and dull eyes — normal or not?
Not normal
What happens if a wrap is too tight? Two answers
Cuts off circulation or causes injury
Horse sweating but hasn’t been ridden. What could this mean?
Emergency — could be heat stress
What’s the skin pinch test for?
Checking hydration
What’s normal respiration (breathing) rate?
8–16 breaths/minute
Why would you listen for gut sounds?
To check digestion — no sounds could mean colic (Torsion or Impaction)
Why wrap both legs in pairs?
Keeps balance
Rider falls off but seems fine. What’s step one?
Stay calm, call instructor, check safety
What’s saline used for?
Cleaning wounds
How long should it take for gum color to return after pressing?
1–2 seconds (capillary refill time)
What might it mean if a horse’s gums are pale?
Possible shock, blood loss, or illness
What’s the correct overlap for each layer? (How much coverage of previous layer)
Half the width of the previous wrap
Horse bleeding heavily from leg. What do you do (2 things)
Emergency — call vet immediately and try to stop bleeding with pack or wrap/pressure
What’s the purpose of a stethoscope?
Listening to heartbeat or gut sounds