The Pulse Rate of a horse is different to a horseâs Heart Rate and can vary a lot, however it can be used as a good indication that your horse has a problem. The best and most reliable place to count a horseâs Pulse Rate is at the jaw, as it is the closest pulse point to the heart.Breathing (Respiration) Rate.f you know what is normal for your horse you will be able to see changes at an earlier stage rather than waiting until these vital signs have moved into the âextremely badâ range. You will need a watch with a âsecondsâ hand or better still a stopwatch. Heart Rate.