checking horse temperature daily

Question
hello, i personally believe that trainers of any english discipline should check the horse temperature immediately when they go to the stable in the morning daily before they take the horse to the track. am i right? madam, one more doubt, can i check the horse weight daily, or once in a week is enough?

Answer
Hi Caine,

Thank you for your question.  I would agree with you that it is a good idea to take your horse's temperature at the same time, and under the same circumstances everyday.  This will give you a fairly decent baseline for each horse's normal body temperature and allow you to quickly determine when your horse is running a fever.  Your suggestion for taking temperatures first thing in the morning when your horses are laid back and relaxed is a very good idea.

As for verifying body weights, once a week would be frequent enough to detect any changes in weight.  Like taking body temperature, try to establish a system so that body weights are taken around the same time every day and under the same circumstances.  Body weights can vary throughout the day based on feed and water consumption.

I hope that helps.

Thanks, Corlena