Recognizing a Healthy Horse

Eating and Drinking Behaviors

Appetite

Horses are grazers and prefer small, continuous meals. Most horses, when given access to pasture or hay, will graze 12–15 hours per day. However, environmental factors, limited turnout, forage quality, and the horse's overall preferences can impact this consumption rate. Changes to appetite are often one of the first indicators when a horse is feeling under the weather. Sick horses might leave their hay or grain before finishing, eat slower, "pick" through their hay or grain, or stop eating altogether.

Recognizing deviations from their typical eating behaviors is imperative. Some horses are slow eaters or have flavor/texture preferences and that may be their normal eating habit. Going off feed can point to illness, but it may also be a sign of something else being amiss. Other factors that may change eating habits include bad or moldy grain or hay, dislike for a product, or stress. Be aware of any changes to appetite and make note of how much food they are leaving behind and recent changes to feed or routine.

Thirst

Adult horses typically drink 5–10 gallons of water a day. This range can increase due to variables such as exercise, nutrition, physiological state (i.e., pregnancy), and environmental factors, such as temperature. It is important to monitor water intake and note if any changes occur. If you are watering your horse from a refillable bucket, try to pay attention to the water level and if it has changed before you begin refilling. Electrolytes may need to be given to dehydrated horses or those not wanting to drink. Horses that are severely dehydrated may also need intravenous (IV) fluids. Always make sure your horse has access to clean, fresh water.

Excretions

Horses will defecate on average 8–10 times per day. In general, their manure consists of moist, distinct fecal balls that create a pile. Extremely dry or loose feces (including diarrhea), or lack of feces is cause for concern and your veterinarian should be contacted. Some loose manure may be caused by nervousness, changes in feeding routine, or heat cycles (in mares), while other times it may be due to disease. It is best to always keep an eye on any changes to fecal ball consistency or defecation rate and talk with your veterinarian if there is a concern.