Average Heart Rate for a Horse: What’s Normal and How to Check It
- Horse Education Online
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is my horse’s heart rate normal?” — you’re already thinking like a responsible horse owner.
Just like in humans, a horse’s heart rate is one of the clearest windows into what’s happening internally. Whether your horse is resting in the stall or just finished a workout, their pulse can reveal signs of stress, pain, fitness, or something more serious.
In this post, we’ll break down what counts as a normal heart rate, what can influence it, and how to check it safely (even without a stethoscope).
Why a Horse’s Heart Rate Is So Important
Your horse can’t tell you when something feels off — but their heart rate can.
That’s why knowing how to check it (and what’s normal) is one of the simplest and most powerful tools in your horse care toolkit. A change in heart rate is often the first sign of a deeper issue. It might mean your horse is overheated, fighting an infection, in pain, or stressed out — even if they seem okay on the surface.
Heart rate is also a great way to monitor fitness levels. If your horse is in training, tracking how quickly their heart rate returns to normal after a workout can show you how well they’re recovering and adapting.
When should you check heart rate?
During rest – This gives you a baseline for what’s normal.
After exercise – Helps assess fitness and recovery time.
When sick or injured – A fast pulse can point to internal distress.
In stressful situations – Trailering, events, or vet visits.
In short: the heart doesn’t lie. And learning to read it helps you catch small problems before they become big ones.
So, What’s the Average Heart Rate for a Horse?
The average heart rate for a horse depends mostly on age, but also a little on their conditioning. Here's a breakdown:
Foals (under 1 year): 80 to 100 bpm - Their tiny hearts beat faster because they’re growing fast and constantly on the move.
Yearlings (1 to 2 years): 40 to 60 bpm - This is when things start slowing down, but they’re still a bit higher than adults.
Adult horses: 28 to 44 bpm - This is the typical resting heart rate for most mature horses in a calm, relaxed state.
But remember, every horse is different. Some fit horses (like those trained for endurance or eventing) can have a resting rate closer to 28 bpm — and that’s totally normal for them. What matters is consistency.
That’s why it’s important to check your own horse’s heart rate when they’re calm and healthy, so you know what “normal” looks like. This is your baseline, and it’s what you’ll compare against anytime your horse seems off.
Also, make sure you’re checking heart rate in the right conditions:
After 10–15 minutes of rest
In a familiar environment
When they’re not stressed or overheated
That way, you’re getting a true resting heart rate — not one that’s influenced by distractions or external stressors.
What Affects a Horse’s Heart Rate?
Even if you know your horse’s normal resting heart rate, it’s important to remember that it’s not static. Like ours, a horse’s heart rate changes based on what’s happening in their body or environment. So before you assume something’s wrong, think about what could be influencing the number.
Here are the most common factors:
1. Physical exertion
This one’s obvious. A workout, ride, or even a spirited trot around the pasture will naturally raise your horse’s heart rate. That’s a good thing. It means their cardiovascular system is working. What you want to watch for is how fast it comes back down after the activity. A fit horse should recover within 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Stress or fear
Traveling, loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or separation from a buddy can spike a horse’s pulse. If you’re checking their heart rate at a show or while trailering, it might be higher than usual, not because they’re unwell, but because they’re mentally on edge.
3. Illness or fever
Infections, viruses, and other health issues often trigger a faster heart rate, even before other symptoms show up. This is why checking heart rate is such a useful early warning sign — it can point you toward something brewing internally.
4. Pain or discomfort
Colic, lameness, hoof abscesses — any kind of pain can elevate your horse’s heart rate. If you see a spike and can’t explain it with exertion or stress, look closely for other subtle signs: changes in appetite, sweating, shifting weight, or reluctance to move.
5. Weather and environment
Hot and humid weather puts added strain on your horse’s body. To cool off, their heart has to work harder, even when they’re resting. Always factor in the temperature and humidity when you check their pulse.
Bottom line: heart rate doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Context matters, and knowing these triggers will help you make better decisions.
How to Check Your Horse’s Heart Rate
Measuring heart rate sounds technical — but it’s actually one of the easiest vital signs to check, once you know how. Here are two simple methods, no vet degree required:
Method 1: Using a Stethoscope
If you have a stethoscope (they’re inexpensive and handy to keep around), this method gives the most direct reading.
Steps:
Stand on your horse’s left side.
Place the stethoscope just behind their left elbow, against the chest wall. You’re listening for the “lub-dub” of the heartbeat.
Set a timer and count the beats for 15 seconds.
Multiply that number by 4 to get their beats per minute (bpm).
If you count 10 beats in 15 seconds, their heart rate is 40 bpm.
It helps to do this when your horse is calm, in a quiet area.
Method 2: Feeling the Pulse
No stethoscope? No problem. You can feel the pulse in one of two places:
Facial artery (under the jaw):
Run your fingers along the underside of the jawbone, near where it curves up toward the cheek. You’ll feel a soft, rhythmic “thump.”
Digital artery (by the fetlock):
Feel the inside of the fetlock joint, just above the hoof. The pulse here is usually stronger — especially if there’s inflammation or injury.
Use your index and middle fingers, never your thumb (it has its own pulse).
Count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4. Same method.
Optional: Use a Horse Heart Rate Monitor
For performance horses or anyone tracking long-term health, there are heart rate monitors you can place under the girth. These tools give real-time readings and are great for spotting patterns during training or recovery.
Whether you use your hands, a stethoscope, or a monitor, the key is practice. The more often you check, the better you’ll get at spotting when something’s off.
When Is a Heart Rate Too High?
A resting heart rate above 60 bpm is a big warning sign. Combined with:
Heavy breathing
Pale or dark gums
Reluctance to move
Sweating or restlessness
…it could mean colic, shock, or another serious condition. Don’t wait. Call your vet immediately.
Quick Heart Rate Chart
Age Group | Normal Heart Rate (bpm) |
Foal | 80–100 |
Yearling | 40–60 |
Adult | 28–44 |
Print this out. Stick it in your barn. Use it when something feels off.
Keep Learning: Related Guides
A Compend of the Veterinary Art: A classic reference covering foundational veterinary practices and equine care.
A Textbook of the Practice of Equine Medicine: A comprehensive look at diagnosing and treating equine diseases, rooted in historical veterinary medicine.
The Horse’s Vital Signs: Learn how to accurately assess heart rate, respiration, and temperature — and what these vitals reveal about your horse’s health.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you're ready to take the guesswork out of equine health, check out our Equine Anatomy Certification. It's built to help horse owners and students build real confidence in understanding the systems behind vital signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a horse’s heart rate predict colic or illness?
Yes, a consistently elevated heart rate can be an early indicator of colic, infection, or internal pain. If the rate goes above 60 beats per minute at rest, especially when paired with symptoms like sweating, restlessness, or reduced gut sounds, you should contact a veterinarian. Monitoring heart rate alongside other signs helps detect serious conditions before they worsen.
Is a lower heart rate always a good thing in horses?
Not necessarily. While well-conditioned horses often have lower resting heart rates, an unusually low rate in a horse that seems lethargic or unresponsive could signal a heart problem or metabolic issue. It is important to know your horse’s normal baseline and assess changes in context with other vital signs.
How do age and breed affect heart rate in horses?
Foals have higher heart rates than adult horses, often reaching 80 to 100 beats per minute. Yearlings average between 40 and 60 bpm, while healthy adults typically fall between 28 and 44 bpm. Lighter breeds may trend slightly higher, while larger or draft horses can be on the lower end of the range.
Are wearable heart rate monitors for horses accurate?
When used correctly, wearable monitors like girth straps or halter sensors can provide accurate readings, especially during training or rehabilitation. They help you track changes over time but should not replace manual checks during health assessments or emergencies. Always verify unusual readings manually.
Can environmental stress cause temporary heart rate spikes in horses?
Yes. Loud environments, new settings, or trailering can raise a horse’s heart rate temporarily due to the body’s natural stress response. These spikes usually return to normal within 20 to 30 minutes if the horse is left to rest. If the elevated rate persists, it may be a sign of a deeper issue.
Comentários