January Health Note - Feel the Beat!
What is Your Horse's Pulse Rate?

Place your index finger on the artery under your horse's jawbone on the inside surface.  (Other pulse points are behind the knee, under the tail head, the widest point at the back of the fetlock, or directly behind the left elbow.)  Count the number of beats per minute.  Or, count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply the number by four.

• Normal:  35-45 beats per minute in mature horses

• Abnormal:  Less than 20 or more than 80 beats per minute in mature horses

For more Horse Health Information, visit the Web site of the American Association of Equine Practitioners at www.MyHorseMatters.com.

January Health Note - Feeding the Older Horse

The geriatric, or senior, horse may be unable to maintain good body condition on a traditional maintenance ration.  That is why the older horse may become more active and alert when fed a diet formulated specifically for senior horses.  Such feed should contain 12% to 14% protein, 0.3% to 0.4% phosphorous, and 0.6% to 0.8% calcium.  For more Horse Health Information, visit the Web site of the American Association of Equine Practitioners at www.MyHorseMatters.com.  This site contains information pertinent to your horse's health and more.