1. A normal digital pulse rate in each limb is…

A) about 32 to 36 beats per minute

B) about 60 to 64 beats per minute

C) about 20 to 24 beats per minute

2. True or false: Leg wraps or boots can prevent injury and lameness. 

T/F

3. What are nonspecific signs of lameness?

A) isolation from other horses

B) personality changes

C) passing more manure of urine than normal

D) all of the above

4. True or false: “Seeing with your ears” can help detect lameness.

T / F

5. About how long should your warmup be to help protect your horse’s joints?

A) 20 to 30 minutes 

B) 5 to 10 minutes 

C) 15 to 20 minutes

6. True or false: Stalling on concrete will make your horse lame.

T/F

HOW’D YOU DO? (Answers below.)

1. A is correct. A normal pulse is faint and slow (about 32 to 36 beats per minute).

2. T is correct. Leg boots protect and support your horse’s ligaments and tendons while he’s putting stress on them while longeing or riding. 

3. D is correct. Your horse may isolate himself to protect himself, his personality may change as he seems grumpy or agitated, and/or he may have back pain or muscular hind end pain that causes him to defecate or urinate more frequently than normal under saddle.

4. T is correct. Closing your eyes and listening to footfalls allows you to hear the subtle changes in how hard he’s landing. 

5. B is correct. This amount of time allows tendons and joints to stretch gently, without injury, before undertaking more vigorous action.

6. F is correct. While stalling your horse on concrete isn’t good for his joints, it alone won’t cause lameness. If you do have to stall on concrete provide cushion will stall mats and ample shavings. 

Hey! Not already receiving H&R’s fun and informative e-newsletter? Sign up right here.