Why is it important to monitor a horse's feces?

Monitoring a horse's feces is crucial because it provides valuable insights into the horse's digestive health and overall well-being. The characteristics of feces, such as consistency, color, and odor, can indicate how well the horse's digestive system is functioning. Abnormalities, such as diarrhea or very hard feces, can signal issues like changes in diet, stress, parasites, or underlying health problems. This information allows owners and caregivers to address any issues promptly, ensuring that the horse maintains good health.

While checking for adequate grass intake, hydration levels, and weight gain are important aspects of equine care, they do not provide as direct of an indication of the horse's immediate digestive health as monitoring feces does. Therefore, observing feces is a primary method to assess the horse's digestive system and catch any potential problems early on.