Horse health symptoms

Pale gums are gums that have less color than the healthy salmon pink color typically identified in a horse’s mouth. Gums can be used as a sign of overall health.

Peeling or sloughing skin in horses is characterized as an area of the body where the skin has begun to lose its surface layer. Generally appears as flaking or patches of skin that are missing or damaged.

Poor coat condition is characterized by a dry, coarse texture to the haircoat that lacks luster and shine. Healthy horses can experience changes in coat condition seasonally, but a prolonged poor hair coat can be a symptom of an underlying health issue.

Owners and trainers often describe poor performance when there is either a decrease in previously achieved performance levels, or a horse is unable to reach a new, expected level of performance.