Horse Clinical Exam: a vet’s step-by-step guide

How do vets assess horses? In this video, I walk you through a full nose‑to‑tail general clinical exam exactly as I perform it in practice. From the distant exam over the stable door to the final temperature check, you’ll learn what vets look for, why it matters, and how each part of the exam builds a complete picture of your horse’s health. Whether you’re a horse owner, vet student, or equine professional, this step‑by‑step guide will help you understand the key elements of a thorough equine assessment. What you’ll learn in this video • How vets assess horses from a distance • Safety and handler positioning • Nose‑to‑tail clinical exam structure • Normal parameters for heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, CRT, and gut sounds • What vets look for in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal exams • How limb palpation, stance, and symmetry contribute to musculoskeletal assessment Normal parameters (quick reference) • Heart rate: 28–44 bpm • Respiratory rate: 8–16 breaths/min • Temperature: 37.2–38.3°C • CRT: ~2 seconds *AI has been utilised to enhance some aspects of this video