When something “goes wrong” and your horse appears to be “off” it’s important to know what his BASE vital signs are. The BASE vitals signs are pulse, respiration, temperature and capillary refill time when the horse is AT REST.  Plan on taking the vitals several times a day for a couple of days while your horse is calm, quiet and cool.  This way when you need to make a call to your vet or equine healthcare provider then you’ll be able to tell him or her exactly what is ‘normal’ for your horse and what the difference is at the time of the call.

The info below states the average NORMAL Equine Vital Signs.

Temperature– A horse’s normal body temperature is 99 – 101 F.
Pulse- The normal pulse rate, most often taken by listening to the heart on the left side of the chest just behind the left elbow, is 36 to 42 beats per minute. 
Young stock and ponies tend to be a bit faster.
Respiration-The normal rate for horses is between 8-12 breaths per minute.
Capillary refill time (time it takes for color to return to gum tissue adjacent to teeth after pressing and releasing with your thumb): 2 seconds.