How to Check Your Horse’s Digital Pulse in 60 Seconds
A simple rider skill that helps you spot trouble early, without guessing.
What a digital pulse is, in plain rider language
The digital pulse is the pulse you can feel in the artery that runs down toward the hoof. Riders use it as an early warning signal because a stronger pulse can show up when the foot is inflamed or stressed.
Best mindset: this is a comparison tool. Left to right matters more than any perfect number.
Where to feel it
You will usually find it at the inside or outside of the fetlock or pastern. Use your fingertips and light pressure, then compare to the same spot on the opposite leg.
If you want a visual map and landmarks, use the Horse Leg Anatomy page. Horse leg anatomy.
The 60 second routine
Step 1, set the horse up to stand still
- Pick a quiet spot, no rushing, no distractions.
- Stand facing the tail, shoulder angled away from the hoof.
- Start with the easiest leg first so you learn the feel.
Step 2, use light pressure
- Place two fingertips near the fetlock or lower pastern.
- Press lightly and hold for a few seconds.
- If you press too hard you can block what you are trying to feel.
Step 3, compare left to right
- Check the matching spot on the opposite leg.
- Ask one simple question: does one side feel clearly stronger?
- Note it, then keep checking the same way each time.
Quick tip: if you cannot feel anything, that can be normal. The habit is consistency and comparison.
What is normal, what is a red flag
Normal varies. Many healthy horses have a pulse that feels faint or hard to find at rest. A red flag is a pulse that feels strong or bounding, especially when paired with heat, pain, or a change in movement.
Vet now signals: strong digital pulse plus hoof heat, obvious lameness, rapid swelling, puncture, or a sudden change in attitude. Keep the horse quiet and call your veterinarian.
How this fits into a calm care decision
Use the digital pulse as part of a simple decision tree, not a panic button. If you are unsure whether you are seeing normal fill versus a true swelling problem, use the comparison pages below.
FAQ
Where do you feel a horse’s digital pulse?
At the inside or outside of the fetlock or pastern where the digital artery crosses. Use fingertips with light pressure and compare both legs.
What does a strong digital pulse mean?
A stronger, bounding pulse can signal inflammation in the foot or lower limb. If it is paired with heat, pain, or lameness, call your veterinarian.
What is normal digital pulse in horses?
Normal varies, but many horses have a faint or hard to find pulse at rest. The useful habit is comparing left to right and watching for sudden change.
What should I do if I feel heat and a strong pulse?
Treat it as a red flag. Keep the horse quiet, remove work, and contact your veterinarian for guidance, especially if there is lameness or rapid change.
Links: Solution Finder | Prehabilitation | Liniment gel collection | Horse leg anatomy
