Pony Club HB Rating Practice Test

In extreme weather, the focus is on catching how the horse is coping as early as possible. The best thing to monitor is signs of distress, because they directly reflect how the horse is responding to heat, cold, humidity, or wind and alert you to take action before more serious problems develop. Look for rapid or labored breathing, heavy sweating even in shade, reluctance to move or lift a leg, a tense or weak posture, and overall dullness or agitation. If you notice these distress signals, intervene by improving shelter and ventilation, offering water, reducing exertion, and seeking veterinary advice if needed. Coat color changes don’t indicate acute stress, appetite changes can be a later or indirect sign and aren’t as immediate a cue, and hoof growth is a long-term factor not tied to short-term weather management.