Health Basics
Simple signs that something might be wrong with a horse, and what to do next: stay calm and get the owner, instructor, or vet.
You don’t need to be a vet to notice when a horse needs help.
Your job
- Notice signs
- Stay calm
- Tell the horse’s owner, instructor or vet right away
Learn the signs
The warning signs below explain what you might notice, why it matters, and what to do next.
Step-by-step lesson
Health signs to watch for(8)
Not Eating or Drinking
⚠ Get help right away
What you might notice
- Hay left untouched
- Water bucket still full
- Horse looks tired
Why it matters: A change in eating or drinking can be a serious warning sign.
What to do: Tell an adult/instructor right away. Do not guess the cause.
Rolling, Pawing, or Looking at Belly
⚠ Get help right away
What you might notice
- Rolling a lot
- Pawing
- Looking at belly
- Restless
Why it matters: These can be signs of belly pain. This is urgent.
What to do: Get an adult/instructor immediately and keep yourself safe.
Limping
⚠ Get help right away
What you might notice
- Uneven steps
- Head bobbing
- Not wanting to move
Why it matters: The horse might be sore or injured.
What to do: Stop the activity and tell an adult/instructor.
Sweating a Lot at Rest
⚠ Get help right away
What you might notice
- Sweat patches while standing
- Fast breathing
Why it matters: Could be stress, pain, or illness.
What to do: Tell an adult/instructor right away.
Coughing
What you might notice
- Coughs during work or at rest
Why it matters: Can mean irritation or a breathing problem.
What to do: Tell an adult/instructor and avoid dust if possible.
Runny Nose
What you might notice
- Wet nose with discharge
Why it matters: Some discharge can be normal, but changes matter.
What to do: Tell an adult/instructor so they can check.
Swelling or Heat
⚠ Get help right away
What you might notice
- Puffy area
- Warm to touch
Why it matters: Can mean a bump, strain, or infection.
What to do: Don’t press hard. Tell an adult/instructor.
Cuts or Bleeding
⚠ Get help right away
What you might notice
- Open cut
- Blood
Why it matters: Even small cuts can get infected.
What to do: Get an adult/instructor right away.
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Recent Horse Academy stories on this topic.
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