How to take a digital pulse

You can find your pony’s digital pulse at the back of his fetlock and just above his heel. If there’s problem, the pulse will be stronger, not faster.

Heel

Place your thumb and finger either side of his pastern, below the fetlock. Slide your hand down to above his heel and you should be able to feel the pulse.

Fetlock

Run your thumb and finger down the sides of his tendons until your reach the sides of his fetlock, then press gently to feel the pulse. If you can’t feel anything, adjust the pressure and try again.

Top tip

A strong digital pulse is often associated with laminitis, but can be a sign of a hoof abscess.

Did you know?

The digital pulse can be useful for telling you which side of the hoof an abscess is on – it’s usually the same as the strong pulse.