The smallest swelling or presence of heat requires early detection if it is to be given every chance of a speedy recovery with correct treatment. The old adage of 'a stitch in time saves nine' is never more true than with horses' limbs.

When you visit a horse in his stable his breathing should be that of a horse at rest, i.e. ten to twelve breaths per minute without any noise or physical contractions. Any discharge from the nose should be regarded as abnormal and an indication of possible illness. The skin of a healthy animal feels soft and supple to the touch and if he is in good condition there will be a bloom to the coat. The mucous membranes of the nostrils and eyes should be pink in color. The normal pulse of a horse at rest is between thirty-six and forty beats per minute. His temperature under normal conditions would be 99.8-101F (around 38C). Attention should also be paid to the animal's droppings because there can be a number of reasons for any abnormalities other than a change of diet or excitement.

Any sign of a runny nose or eyes, a cough or a respiratory noise of any sort should be attended to at once and the horse's work routine adjusted accordingly. There is a very real danger of permanent damage to the heart and lungs if the horse is overstressed through work or travel when unwell, so early symptoms should not be ignored. It is advisable to seek veterinary advice at once if the horse has a temperature.

If the horse is found to be rolling a great deal this is often an indication of an abdominal disorder, such as colic, and should be dealt with immediately. Look at the animal's flanks to see whether he is relaxed or not. If he is tucked up find out why; it may be because he is cold but it could also be a sign of ill-health. Pawing the ground for any length of time is unnatural and may indicate colic. The horse will probably dig up his bed before he rolls and you will have to decide whether his behavior is normal or if he is showing signs of discomfort.

The feed manger and water container should be checked regularly to ensure that the animal is eating up, particularly his late night feed which may have additives and supplements in it. It is not uncommon and not necessarily a sign of ill-health if the horse does not eat up his daytime feeds straight away, especially once he is in work. The horse's water intake should be monitored, which is difficult if automatic water bowls are used. Keep a check also on the amount of hay he eats. It is uncommon for a horse to leave his hay ration even though he may be off his other feed.

Routine observation will, with practice, become second nature to you but each horse is different and must be treated as an individual. It is therefore important to establish an intimate knowledge of each horse and learn what is normal for him.