How to Measure a Horse's Respiration Rate

Learn how to measure a horse's respiration rate so you can evaluate pain or respiratory disease.

Things You'll Need

  • Stethoscopes
  • Horse Brushes
  • Stopwatches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the horse's chest or nostrils for movement.

    • 2

      Begin a practice count to get used to the rhythm of inhalations and exhalations, which should be slow and even.

    • 3

      Place your hand on your horse's rib cage to feel the inhalations or in front of her nostrils to feel the breath if you have trouble detecting visual signs of breathing.

    • 4

      Count the number of expirations you observe for 15 seconds.

    • 5

      Multiply that number by 4 to obtain the horse's respiration rate per minute.

    • 6

      Know that a normal rate is about 10 to 20 respirations per minute.