CHA Horse Health & Veterinary Care Flashcards

What does the CHA recommend an instructor do if a horse appears lame before a lesson?

Answer: Remove the horse from the lesson and notify the barn manager or owner

CHA guidelines require instructors to remove any lame horse from work immediately and report the condition to the facility manager or horse owner.

What is thrush, and which part of the hoof does it affect?

Answer: A bacterial infection of the frog

Thrush is a bacterial infection that degrades the frog of the hoof, characterized by a black, foul-smelling discharge, and is associated with wet, unsanitary conditions.

What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult horse at rest?

Answer: 8–16 breaths per minute

A healthy adult horse at rest breathes 8–16 times per minute; rates significantly higher at rest may indicate respiratory distress or fever.

What does the term 'founder' refer to in equine health?

Answer: The rotation or sinking of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule as a result of laminitis

Founder refers to the mechanical failure of the laminar connection in the hoof, causing the coffin bone to rotate downward or sink, and is a severe consequence of laminitis.

Why is it important for CHA instructors to know each school horse's individual health records?

Answer: To identify pre-existing conditions and ensure appropriate workload, tacking, and rider matching

Knowing each horse's health history allows the instructor to match horses to appropriate riders, recognize when a condition is worsening, and avoid activities that could injure a compromised horse.

What is the recommended method for checking a horse's hydration using the skin pinch test?

Answer: Pinch skin on the neck; it should snap back in under 2 seconds in a well-hydrated horse

The skin pinch test on the neck or shoulder checks elasticity; a delay of more than 2 seconds for the skin to return flat indicates dehydration.