11/24/2025
Regularly monitoring your horse’s temperature is a simple yet effective way to detect illness early, prevent the spread of infection, and ensure timely veterinary care.
The normal temperature range for horses is 99.5–101.5°F, but each horse is unique, so it’s important to establish your horse’s individual baseline. To do this, take readings several times a day over a few days. Temperatures tend to be lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon, so averaging these readings provides a reliable baseline.
Strenuous exercise can temporarily raise a horse’s body temperature by a few degrees, but it should return to normal within 90 minutes. If it doesn’t or rises unexpectedly, this could indicate an underlying issue.
While a high temperature doesn’t always mean a severe condition, we recommend calling our office if your horse’s temperature exceeds 102°F.
If you’re unsure how to take your horse’s vitals, the Starwood Equine team is here to help. At your next well-horse visit, ask a team member to teach you the basics.
