Poor quality horn in the feet can be suggestive of nutritional deficiencies, and rings can be signs of previous episodes of laminitis.

Every owner should know their horse’s legs. Every day before and after you ride you should palpate the legs from top to toe, to find any changes from previous examinations. Old injuries are unlikely to cause any issues, but if you know they are there, it can save you investigating

Droppings should be in firm, well-formed balls.

Looking at your horse’s condition can tell you a lot about his health.

You should be able to hear your horses’s gut sounds as your horse digests his food by putting your ear to his abdomen.